“Around the country, food
pantry directors are girding for an influx of hungry adults” as a three-month
limit on SNAP benefits for unemployed, childless adults returns in many areas,
the New York Times reports.
During the recession, most states took advantage of a provision that allows
them to waive this limit when unemployment is persistently high. Now, as the
economy improves, states must decide whether they should continue these waivers.
Eight states qualified for waivers in 2015 but decided to use them only in
parts of the state or not at all. USDA estimates that 23 more states will cease
to qualify for statewide waivers in 2016. States are not required to help the
affected people find jobs or provide a place in a job-training program that
would allow them to keep benefits. Very few do so, leaving it to the
participants to find enough work or training to keep their benefits. According
to USDA, the households of able-bodied adults receiving SNAP in 2013 had
average gross incomes of $308 per month — or less than 30% of the federal
poverty guideline.
Source:
New York Times, 4/11/15, Ending
SNAP Waivers
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