NEW SNAP Changes In Effect

Congress reached a bipartisan debt ceiling deal and there are a few things you should know about SNAP benefits.

The deal was necessary to avoid a government shutdown and a default on the national debt.

However, inside this debt ceiling deal were 3 major changes to SNAP benefits, including:

Work Requirements

• The work requirement for SNAP recipients aged 50-54 will be expanded.
• Recipients will be required to work or participate in a training program for at least 30 hours per week in order to receive benefits.
• Certain populations will be exempted from the work requirement, including veterans, homeless people, and young adults who are transitioning from foster care.

Benefit Limits

• The amount of SNAP benefits that recipients can receive will be reduced.
• The maximum monthly benefit for a household of four will decrease from $649 to $598.
• The benefit reduction will be phased in over a period of several months.

Where to Find Help

• If you are affected by the new SNAP changes, there are several places where you can find help.
• You can contact your local SNAP office for more information about the changes and to see if you qualify for any exemptions.
• You can also find help online at the USDA's SNAP website.

These changes are expected to affect approximately 750,000 SNAP recipients and go into effect on October 1, 2023.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that the changes will save the federal government $2.1 billion over ten years.

The debt ceiling deal also included a number of other changes, including:

• Raising the debt ceiling by $480 billion.
• Increasing funding for the military by $13.6 billion.
• Increasing funding for border security by $6.5 billion.
• Extending the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for two years.

The debt ceiling deal was a compromise between President Biden and Republicans in Congress. The deal was necessary to avoid a government shutdown and a default on the national debt.

Here is the link to the USDA's SNAP website:

Is there any help available for those affected by the changes?

• Yes, there is help available for those affected by the changes.
• You can contact your local SNAP office for more information about the changes and to see if you qualify for any exemptions.
• You can also find help online at the USDA's SNAP website.

What can I do if I am affected by the changes?

• If you are affected by the changes, there are a few things you can do:
• Contact your local SNAP office for more information about the changes and to see if you qualify for any exemptions.
• Find help online at the USDA's SNAP website.
• Consider other sources of food assistance, such as food banks and pantries.
• Make a budget and plan your meals carefully.
• Look for ways to save money on food, such as shopping at discount stores or buying in bulk.
• Get involved in your community and advocate for policies that support food security