Are You a SNAP Recipient Aged 18-54? Meet These Requirements to Continue Receiving Food Stamps

Are You a SNAP Recipient Aged 18-54? According to new rules implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), citizens between the ages of 18 and 54 can receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or food stamps benefits without working for only three months in a three-year period. After this, they have to fulfill a special condition called the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rule. According to this rule, if a person falls in this age group and does not have any dependents (such as a child), then he must work at least 80 hours every month to continue receiving SNAP benefits.

What is required under the ABAWD rule?

If you are in the age group of 18-54, have no dependents, and you are receiving SNAP benefits, then you must do the following:

• Work at least 80 hours every month.
• This work can be of any type – full-time or part-time.
• If you are unable to do this work, your SNAP benefits will be stopped after three months.

Who are exempted from this rule?

Although this rule is strict, but in certain circumstances people can also get exemption from this work and time limit condition. Let’s know who are such people:

• Pregnant women – If you are in the age group of 18-54 and are pregnant, then this rule will not apply to you.
• Veterans – Those citizens who have served in the army are exempted from this rule.
• Disabled citizens – If you have a valid disability certificate, then you will also not be required to work.
• Homeless people – Those who do not have a permanent residence are also exempt from this rule.
• Parents with children – If you have a child, then you will not need to work for 80 hours.
• Youth in foster care – Youth who are 24 years of age or younger and were in foster care on their 18th birthday are also exempt from this rule.

What are the options if you can’t work?

Not everyone can find a job right away, but the USDA has some alternative ways to keep receiving SNAP benefits:

• SNAP Employment and Training Program: This is a training program that prepares you for work. If one is available in your area, you can participate in it and meet the 80-hour requirement.
• State, federal, or local work programs: If SNAP’s training program is not available, you can participate in any work program approved by the USDA.
• Workfare Program: This requires you to perform community service or other social work for a set number of hours. This can be up to 80 hours per month.
• Combining work and training: You can work part-time and train part-time, but must complete a total of 80 hours per month.

What if you don’t meet the ABAWD requirement?

If you don’t meet the ABAWD requirement, that is, you neither work 80 hours nor participate in a training/work program, your SNAP benefits will stop after three months.

But don’t worry, you still have two ways to restart SNAP benefits:

• Fall into an exemption category – such as becoming pregnant, getting a disability certificate, or falling into another exempt category.
• Work for 30 consecutive days – If you work 80 hours continuously for one month (30 days), you may be eligible for SNAP benefits again.

If you don’t want to work or participate in a program, you can wait until the three-year period is over. You can then reapply for SNAP.

How much does SNAP help you get?

Families receiving SNAP benefits receive a certain amount per month based on the number of family members:

• 1 member – $292 per month
• 2 members – $536 per month
• 4 members – $975 per month

This amount is the same in the 48 contiguous US states and Washington, D.C.

Conclusion:

It is now possible for US citizens aged 18 to 54 to receive SNAP benefits under certain conditions. If you fall into the category of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, you must work 80 hours per month. However, some people are exempt from this rule. Apart from this, you can also keep this facility through work programs or training options. If you do not meet the conditions, the benefits may stop, but there are also ways to start them again. The SNAP program ensures food security for millions of American families, and understanding its rules can help you make the most of this benefit.

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