Earlier this week, the White House finalized its rule to impose stricter work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) on SNAP. Here’s what you need to know about the rule, who it impacts and what the effect is on low-income Americans across the nation.
- What does this rule do? Under current rules, work-eligible ABAWDs between the ages of 18 and 49 can receive only three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period if they don’t meet the 20-hour per week work or job training requirement. States with high unemployment rates or a demonstrable lack of sufficient jobs can waive those time limits. This rule cracks down on state flexibility to address the unique needs of their community members.
- Who's affected? Nearly 700,000 people will likely lose SNAP benefits under this new rule.
- When does this rule go into effect? Current SNAP waivers will expire on March 31, 2020. The new rule is set to take effect on April 1.
- What's the big picture? Over the last year, the White House has proposed three different rule changes to SNAP. These rules would cause millions of low-income people to lose access to SNAP benefits. Millions more would see the size of their benefit decreased. The combined impact of these rules, two of which are not yet final, would result in millions fewer people receiving SNAP in an average month, millions more experiencing reduction in monthly benefits, and up to 1 million kids losing automatic access to free or reduced-price school meals. Share Our Strength strongly opposes all three of these rules.
So, what can you do? You can call your elected Members of Congress and tell them to support low-income families and children by protecting SNAP, a program that lifts millions of people from poverty each year. This handy “GovTrack” tool can instantly give you the right Members and their contact information based on your address. Speak up today!
