People ages 53 and 54 without dependents must work a minimum of 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month to qualify for SNAP benefits
Starting in October, the requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as ‘food stamps’, will be tightened due to changes approved during the ‘debt ceiling’ discussions. Starting that month, people aged 53 and 54 without dependents will have to work at least 20 hours per week (or 80 per month) to access this crucial benefit for low-income households.
This provision was passed in 2023 after months of debate in the U.S. Congress over the debt limit, also known as the ‘debt ceiling’.
During these negotiations, it was agreed to tighten SNAP work requirements in two phases. Starting in October 2023, people aged 51 and 52 without dependents must complete at least 20 hours of work per week (or 80 per month) to receive ‘food stamps’. Beginning in October 2024, this requirement will also apply to those aged 53 and 54 without dependents.
Congress included some temporary exceptions for veterans, the homeless, and those who are 24 or younger and were wards of the state, according to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
This progressive think tank estimated that 750,000 adults between the ages of 50 and 54 could lose access to ‘food stamps’ when the new requirements are in full effect in October of this year. According to CBPP, this measure «ignores the realities of the low-wage labor market, such as unpredictable work schedules and lack of pay for sick days.»
Requirements for ‘physically able adults without dependents’
These are the requirements set by SNAP for 51- and 52-year-olds, and starting in October, 53- and 54-year-olds as well:
- Hours worked: they must work at least 20 hours a week or 80 a month. This can include «paid, goods or services, unpaid or volunteer work.
- Work programs: This can be a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program or another federal, state or local work program. It can also be a ‘work assistance program’ for the number of hours allotted each month.
- Combination: SNAP allows you to combine hours worked with hours in a ‘work program’ to reach the required 80 hours per month.
Loss and Recovery of SNAP Benefits
If a person deemed capable of meeting the work requirements fails to do so, they will lose benefits after three months. To become eligible again, they must meet the work requirement for 30 days or present a valid excuse.
«Otherwise, you will have to wait three years, after which you can get benefits for another three months,» according to the rules on the program’s website.