JOBLESS VETS MAY LOSE SNAP NEXT YEAR

An estimated 60,000 veterans may lose SNAP benefits over the course of 2016 as a 3-month limit on benefits for unemployed, nondisabled adults without children returns in many areas. One provision of the 1996 welfare law limits childless adults to 3 months of SNAP benefits in any 36-month period unless they are working half time or participating in a training program. The law doesn’t require states to help the affected people find jobs or provide job training—very few do. Many states temporarily waived the 3-month limit during the recession.  But as the economy recovers and unemployment falls, the waivers will end and more people will face the limit. Low-income veterans are especially vulnerable to the time limit.  Unemployment for veterans serving since September 2001 remains high averaging 9% in 2013 (the most recent year available).

Source: Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 3/10/15, Jobless Vets