On September 1, beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the United States will have to adapt to the new regulations if they want to continue receiving this help. In just a few days, the change in the requirements to access this benefit will become a reality and all applicants will have to comply with them.
These requirements are extracted from the new Attorney Law, enacted on June 3, 2023. The objective of this new regulation is to establish a spending cap with the intention of reducing the deficit and avoiding going over the debt ceiling. As a consequence, the SNAP program will be one of the helps affected.
It should be recalled that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most requested benefit after unemployment benefits. It is the strongest help against hunger established by the Federal Government of the United States. In short, it is an economic benefit aimed at families who have problems accessing basic commodities.
The way it works is simple. Beneficiaries have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card into which the administration deposits an amount each month. With this amount, they have access exclusively to the purchase of food and basic necessities.
NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS TO SNAP
According to official information from the United States Department of Agriculture, the first requirement that will be generally requested under the new law is that SNAP beneficiaries must prove that they are working.
However, there are some exceptions. Exactly, healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 55 who do not have dependents must prove that they have a job. This is established in the new Fiscal Responsibility Law.
On the other hand, the sectors that also do not have to prove that they are working and that this does not mean that they are not eligible for SNAP help are veterans, homeless people, young people between 18 and 24 years old who are over the age of foster care and those who cannot work due to a disability or physical or mental limitation.
HOW TO GET A SNAP CARD
Another important point in applying for a SNAP card is knowing where to apply. It is essential to clarify that although it is a federal help, that is, it depends on the United States Government, the administration of the same is derived from each state. This means that it is managed by a state office.
There are two reasons to apply for this help card. If you are applying for the first time, you must go to the nearest office and prove with documents the pertinent requirements to be a beneficiary. Remember that currently, being working is one of the premises.
However, in case of loss or theft, the administration already has your documents, but the first thing you must do is to notify them so that they can cancel it. Then, they will tell you how to acquire it again. If you have any doubts, you can call 1-888-328-6399.