Government programs are often subject to periodic evaluations, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does not escape this practice.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has announced a number of modifications to SNAP benefits effective immediately.
These changes, stemming from the Fiscal Responsibility Act that was signed into law by President Joe Biden in June, have a primary impact on a specific set of SNAP recipients: those adults without dependents, considered ABAWDs, who are between the ages of 50 and 54.
SNAP Eligibility Changes for Non-disabled Adults
In a broader context, ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) between the ages of 18 and 49 have long been subject to a requirement to demonstrate that they are actively working, studying or participating in a training program for at least 80 hours per month in order to be eligible to get SNAP benefits for more than three months.
These recent modifications will gradually extend these requirements to older age groups, beginning September 1. On that date, individuals who are age 50 and categorized as ABAWDs will also be required to meet work requirements to maintain their SNAP eligibility.
Subsequently, beginning October 1, 2023, the age threshold will be extended to age 52, and on October 1, 2024, it will be further extended to cover those age 54.
New exemptions introduced
The revamped system also incorporates three key exemptions. According to a USDA spokesperson, homeless individuals, veterans and young adults ages 18 to 24 who are over the age of foster care will be exempted from the strict work requirements.
In addition, those who are unable to work due to physical or mental limitations, pregnant women, or people with children under the age of 18 in their households will also be eligible to get exemptions.
However, while waivers now have broader eligibility, state agencies charged with administering SNAP benefits will be limited in their ability to grant them.
A USDA spokesperson explained that beginning October 1, 2023, the annual allocation of discretionary individual ABAWD waivers for state agencies will decrease from 12% to 8% of the caseload subject to the ABAWD time limit.
In practice, this means that if individuals do not meet the new work requirements, they will only be eligible to get SNAP benefits for a maximum of three months within a three-year period. These requirements are expected to remain in effect until October 1, 2030.