For decades, SNAP has been a lifeline for low-income Americans, offering monthly help to purchase groceries. However, recent legislation has ushered in a shift, particularly targeting the so-called “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWD). Under the new law, the criteria for maintaining benefits have become more stringent. According to estimates from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, cited by Newsweek, the number of people affected will vary significantly across different states, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.
Stricter Work Requirements: A New Challenge for Vulnerable Populations
The most significant change brought by the OBBBA is the tightening of work requirements for ABAWDs. These are individuals who are expected to work, participate in job training, or engage in job-search activities for at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible for SNAP. If they fail to meet these conditions, they can only receive assistance for three months within a three-year period unless they qualify for an exemption.
For states with high unemployment rates or significant economic pressures, the USDA allows for some flexibility, but even so, the new rules will have far-reaching effects. California, New York, and Texas are expected to see the largest reductions in SNAP recipients, with 368,000, 317,000, and 275,000 people, respectively, at risk of losing benefits. In these states, the changes will disproportionately affect communities already struggling with high poverty and unemployment.
Critics argue that these new requirements place an unnecessary administrative burden on both recipients and state agencies. According to Laura Siller, senior director of research at Project Bread in Massachusetts, “The biggest barrier here is the increased paperwork burden and folks struggling to demonstrate that they are meeting the requirements or are eligible for an exemption.” With funding and staffing cuts at the USDA, there are concerns that delays in processing these changes will result in vulnerable individuals temporarily losing access to essential food assistance.
The Impact of the Changes on State Economies and Communities
The revised SNAP rules also stand to put a strain on state economies and local communities. According to the USDA, the changes aim to encourage self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on government aid. House Speaker Mike Johnson, in support of the new provisions, claimed that “if you are able to work and you refuse to do so, you are defrauding the system.” Johnson argued that working, especially for younger individuals, can boost self-worth and community involvement. However, experts have questioned whether these assumptions fully reflect the challenges faced by the most disadvantaged.
For many recipients, securing a job that meets the new requirements is not a simple task. High unemployment, lack of available job training, and inadequate support structures in certain states make it difficult for individuals to comply with the new rules. While some may have the ability to work, others are grappling with barriers such as inadequate childcare, transportation issues, or health conditions that complicate their ability to find consistent employment.
State governments are now working to implement these new rules by the November 1 deadline, but the changes have raised concerns about increased poverty and food insecurity in the long term. While the intent behind the reforms is to encourage employment and reduce dependency on welfare, critics worry that the impacts on those most in need may outweigh any benefits.
