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Making SNAP Work Requirements Harsher Will Not Improve Outcomes for Low-Income People [1]

['February']

Date: 2023-03

As Congress prepares to reauthorize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the Farm Bill that is set to expire in September 2018, the Trump Administration and some members of Congress have suggested increasing work requirements on those seeking SNAP benefits. SNAP already requires work: individuals age 18 to 50 are limited to three months of benefits out of every three years unless they work or participate in a training program. A proposal in the President’s 2019 budget would expand this stringent requirement. A proposal in the President’s 2019 budget would expand this stringent requirement by raising the age of those who face the time limit to 62 and by changing current law to make it harder for states to exempt vulnerable individuals, such as those who live in high-unemployment areas. Others have suggested that a similar work rule could be applied to unemployed parents who participate in SNAP. Imposing harsher work rules would do little to move long-term unemployed participants into the workforce, could harm those who are working but need SNAP’s benefits to make ends meet, and would cut off critical food assistance to unemployed people, putting children at greater risk of food insecurity.

While the national unemployment rate is low, the labor market continues to feature a large number of jobs that provide low wages, no benefits, unpredictable hours, and high rates of turnover that leave workers with periods of joblessness. Given this reality, policymakers considering work requirements should recognize that:

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[1] Url: https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/making-snap-work-requirements-harsher-will-not-improve-outcomes-for-low

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