Over 2.4 million individuals at risk of losing food assistance under Trump's proposed plan, according to the Congressional Budget Office report.
The GOP's recent development in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) mandates work requirements for able-bodied adults, with the introduction of the "big, beautiful bill" in the 2025 federal budget reconciliation law. However, this new legislation offers exemptions for parents and caregivers of children under the age of 14.
Under the new bill, able-bodied adults aged 55 to 64, as well as caretakers for children aged 14 and older, are required to meet the 20 hours per week work or qualifying activity requirement to continue receiving benefits for longer than three months in a 36-month period. This is a significant expansion of the population subject to these rules.
However, parents or caregivers who live with and care for a dependent child under the age of 14 do not have to meet these SNAP work requirements. This exemption ensures that caregiving responsibilities for younger children are recognized as valid reasons to exempt parents from work mandates under SNAP in the new legislation.
Exemptions also apply to the medically frail, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and certain other groups. The work requirements generally mandate 80 hours per month of work, volunteer, or community service activities for expansion adults to maintain eligibility.
The Congressional Budget Office released an analysis on this matter on Monday, estimating that over 2 million Americans could lose food stamp benefits in an average month due to the new work requirements. The GOP's new bill for SNAP work requirements applies specifically to parents with dependent children.
It's important to note that the new bill does not specify any exceptions or waivers for certain groups or circumstances. The law also does not indicate any changes to the three-month limit for able-bodied adults without dependents.
The new work requirements for food stamp benefits are being implemented for the first time, marking a significant shift in the SNAP programme. The GOP's new bill for SNAP work requirements sets a monthly minimum of 80 hours for work, volunteering, or job training.
This development is a part of the broader debate surrounding welfare reform and the role of government in supporting those in need. As the implementation of these new requirements unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on the lives of those affected and ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are not unintentionally left behind.
- The new bill for SNAP work requirements in the 2025 federal budget reconciliation law also exempts parents or caregivers who live with and care for a dependent child under the age of 14 from meeting the work requirements.
- In addition to caregivers of younger children, the new bill exempts the medically frail, pregnant or postpartum individuals, and certain other groups from SNAP work requirements.
- The general news has reported that the Congressional Budget Office estimates that over 2 million Americans could lose food stamp benefits in an average month due to the new work requirements, specifically focusing on parents with dependent children.
