Over 1 million residents in 21 states with low-income, may lose their food stamp benefits if they will not be able to meet work requirements which implementation starts this month.
The regulations related to food stamps provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program of the federal government are being changed as a response to the improving economy, particularly that of dropping unemployment.
However, those who are directly affected by the change are raising their concerns, such as food pantry workers and social service providers who worry about the projected influx of the hungry.
Additionally, experience in some states showed that those who will be affected may not be able to satisfy the work requirements and thus run the risk of being rejected for food stamps.
For two decades, food stamps, called previously as SNAP benefits, have been connected to employment. The original rule is for adults to have a job if they are fit to work and are not taking care of children. If they aren't in this category, they will receive three months of food stamps.
However, during the recent recession, this period was waived in many states, as the federal government deemed that jobs are hard to find. But now that the economy seems to be recovering, the original time limits are again being imposed. Some states are doing it by state legislation while some by federal policy.
In some of the affected states, the time limit began in January. This is the biggest re-imposition of the three-month cap since the start of the recession.
The time cap affects those aged between 18 and 50 who have no one dependent on them, are not disabled, not pregnant and have no other reason that prevent them from working.
After three months, they have to find work or at least be included in a work training program of about 80 hours per month.
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