For approximately 2.4 million Americans, there is a major rule change in the country’s food assistance program. This new policy affects a group known as ABAWDs, short for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, and it’s sparking strong debate about fairness, work, and survival in today’s economy.
What Are SNAP and ABAWDs?
There are millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or better known as food stamps. The SNAP program provides assistance to many low-income households who struggle to afford basic groceries.
However, it’s important to remember not everyone who receives SNAP benefits are treated the same. All those adults who are physically and mentally able to work, do not have any children or dependents and fall within a certain age criteria are considered ABAWDs. These beneficiaries have to comply with stricter rules about receiving SNAP benefits.
Before, ABAWDs could only get benefits for three months out of a three-year period if they did not work or attend job training for at least 20 hours per week, unless their state was granted a federal waiver because of excessive unemployment.
What’s Changing Now
The new government rule makes the work requirements stricter and expands who they apply to. Before, ABAWD rules mainly applied to people between the ages 18 and 49, however, the age limit is being raised to 55. This simply means that people in their early/mid 50s will now have to meet requirements and in most cases this age group struggle to find work.
Some veterans, former foster children, and even homeless individuals are impacted by the new rules. Although there are still exceptions for pregnant women and those with disabilities, many activists contend that the new system ignores real-world issues like precarious housing, mental health issues, or a lack of employment possibilities in some places.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, about 2.4 million people could lose their SNAP benefits because of these expanded work rules.
Why This Matters So Much
Unfortunately, the concern isn’t that those who are at risk of losing benefits are refusing to work, it’s that they are unable to find jobs that meet the eligibility requirements.
For example, someone might have a part-time job with unpredictable hours that don’t always reach the required 20 per week. Others might lack access to reliable transportation or childcare.
If these individuals can’t prove they meet the work or training requirement, their food stamps can be cut off after just three months.
Supporters vs. Critics
There are many supporters of this who note that this is way of encouraging people to work. Their argument is that food assistance programs should be temporary, and the new requirements push people to find work instead of relying on the government for assistance.
However, critics say that the new rules are not fair to low-income individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford groceries.
What’s Next
The rule will be implemented differently in different states. There are some states which can still request a temporary waiver if the unemployment rate is too high or there aren’t enough jobs available jobs.
There are many advocates urging that the rule be reconsidered before millions of Americans lost their benefits. As it stands, there are many food banks that are bracing themselves for the impact in case citizens lose their benefits.
Bottom line
There are millions who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table for their families. The new work requirement could make this more difficult causing unnecessary financial strain to families who are already struggling. There are people who really need the benefits and it’s important that these benefits reach them.