The White House has just made a historic turn in one of the most awaited social benefits, which thousands of people could now stop receiving. After the recertification campaign that left many families behind, they have decided to change SNAP forever: here is what has happened and what you will have to do if you want to continue receiving this social benefit during 2024.
SNAP payments, one of the basic social benefits we have in America
SNAP, formally known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to individuals and families. It has the important role of assisting low income people and families to add to their purchasing power especially for the supply of food.
These benefits may be used to purchase groceries and drinks in authorized grocery stores and other outlets. It is through the EBT card which is a fully loaded debit card. The monthly budget they receive is determined based on the number of household members, income and expenditures.
The eligibility requirements for SNAP include both the financial and nonfinancial factors as indicated in the federal requirements. It should be noted that households must have an income that is less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty level on a gross monthly basis.
SNAP has traditionally been championed by politicians from both sides of the political aisle for its massive impact on hunger and poverty. However, there are significant changes that are taking place that will cut back on the access and benefits being had in the future.
Changes in elegibility for SNAP payments: Check out what you have to do
The most significant proposed program change to SNAP entails the institution of stricter work requirements for the beneficiaries of the program. Usually, 18 to 49 year old able bodied adult without dependants are mandated to perform 20 hours of work or volunteer or participate in work training activities.
The new rules would ensure that work requirements are applied to all ABAs for their recipients from age 18-64. This would mean that about 6,101 more adults would need to be added to the number of workers needed to work and receive benefits.
Some of the work conditions would be waived under specific circumstances. Those exempt from the tax will include pregnant women, senior citizens, aged and disable people, people with school children. However, the new expanded requirements may see almost 700,000 individuals lose benefits.
How will SNAP payments change from now on: All you have to know
Another SNAP modification recommended by the scholars is the increase in eligibility controls. This would affect those eligible for the jabs and how much they get. Today SNAP has eligibility requirements for a gross and net income for a household; this is a tight definition for someone to wish to have income that is below this limit.
Households must also have a gross monthly income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Line and a net monthly income below or equal to 100% of the poverty line after deductions. These new rules would reduce these limits further, permeating it difficult to qualify for households.
SNAP also considers the assets that a household owns- for example funds in checking accounts when determining one’s eligibility. Currently homes without seniors or disabled persons can qualify with as much as $2 and 500 in assessable assets.
One of the rule changes that would most affect SNAP recipients is the implementation of a list of foods that can no longer be bought on SNAP benefits. Right now, SNAP benefits – often known as food stamps – can be used to purchase healthy food products such as vegetables as well as snacks and beverages like soda.
As you can see, the changes to SNAP leave far behind everything that had been rumored for months, although it is true that some that were feared have been implemented. In any case, the White House has announced that they will not be the only ones, although the rest of the reforms are reserved for the second half of the year, as has been customary since they were reimplemented in 2020.
