SNAP Payments Are Changing: Who's At Risk of Losing Benefits

Reporter, Consumer & Social Trends

Some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients are at risk of losing their benefits once new rules go into effect.

"The new SNAP work rules are a big deal," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of michaelryanmoney.com, told Newsweek. "Starting October, people up to 54 without kids must work to keep their benefits."

SNAP supports some of the most financially vulnerable Americans, offering financial support for low-income residents to get nutritious food from grocery stores in their neighborhoods.

The money available is not a free handout, though. For years, the program has upheld general work requirements for those who are deemed able to work.

The general work requirements apply to those aged 16 to 59 and able to work. SNAP requires you to be registered for work and participate in the SNAP Employment and Training or workfare if assigned by your state SNAP agency. You must take a job if offered and are not permitted to quit a job or reduce your hours below 30 hours without a reason.

You can get out of these work requirements if you already work 30 or more hours a week or meet the work requirements for TANF or another program. Additionally, you'll still be able to get SNAP benefits if you are taking care of a child under 6 or an incapacitated person, are unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation, participating in an alcohol or drug treatment program or studying in a school or training program at least half-time.

However, those aged 18 to 52 who are able to work and do not have any dependents in their household have often been required to meet the Able-bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirement as well to specifically get SNAP for more than three months in three years.

Starting in October, those aged 53 and 54 will also be required to meet these criteria.

The specific rules mean that those who are able to work and between these ages without any dependents must either work at least 80 hours a month, either for pay or as a volunteer, or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours a month, like the SNAP Employment and Training.

You can also participate in a combination of work and work program hours for a total of at least 80 hours monthly.

While 53- and 54-year-olds were excused from the requirements to get out of the time limit rule previously, in October, the criteria now apply to them as well.

The only exceptions are for those who are deemed unable to work, pregnant, have someone under 18 in their SNAP household, veterans, the homeless and those age 24 and younger who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.

Those who don't meet the ABAWD work requirement will subsequently lose their benefits after three months. At that point, you'll have to meet the ABAWD work requirements for a 30-day period to get SNAP again or wait another three years for an additional three months of SNAP benefits.

Ryan said vulnerable adults aged 50 to 54 are most at risk, as they often face tougher job markets and a myriad of health issues.

"This isn't just about individuals," Ryan said. "It's about communities. Food banks will be swamped. Local economies might take a hit. The bigger picture? We're reshaping our safety net."

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, said it's a small update in terms of the age bracket but could be a major change for the individuals relying on SNAP.

"The good news is the working requirements are fairly broad in terms of the work that qualifies and the time that needs to be put in," Beene told Newsweek.

"However, since the pandemic, we've seen many recipients fail to continue to receive benefits simply because they didn't know about requirements needed to continue to participate in a program. The hope is that state governments will do a good job of relaying this information to those affected so they don't fail to continue to get benefits most of them need."

Ryan said while this might allow the government to save money now, it could have unintended consequences affecting families, mental health and entire neighborhoods.

"These are real people, not just numbers," Ryan said.

If you will be affected by the new SNAP requirements and would like to share your story, please reach out to personalfinance@newsweek.com.