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A Staff Report

Starting on September 1, changes are happening to food stamp eligibility through the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes will impact North Carolina residents receiving specific benefits.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is undergoing significant adjustments beginning September 1, 2023, with some policies rolling out gradually over the next year. This information is based on details provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and reported by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

These SNAP changes stem from the Fiscal Responsibility Act passed on June 3, which not only suspended the debt ceiling but also introduced discretionary spending limits and alterations to mandatory programs aimed at reducing the deficit, including new work requirements for SNAP.

The USDA’s June 30 statement delves into the specifics of these SNAP changes, particularly the temporary increase in work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). Additionally, there are new exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults aging out of foster care.

Currently, adults aged 18 to 49 are subject to the ABAWD time limit, which dictates that they can receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period if they don’t meet certain work requirements. The act gradually raises the age limit for those affected by the ABAWD restrictions:

– As of September 1, 2023, the age limit increases to 50.

– By October 1, 2023, it rises to 52.

– And on October 1, 2024, the age limit becomes 54.

However, the Food and Nutrition Act allows states to request temporary waivers in areas with an unemployment rate exceeding 10% or insufficient job opportunities.

The USDA also offers guidance on defining exempt populations:

– A homeless individual is someone without a fixed and regular nighttime residence, or whose primary nighttime residence is a supervised shelter, halfway house, a place not designed for accommodation, or a temporary accommodation for no more than 90 days.

– A veteran refers to an individual who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including reserves, and was discharged or released from service.

– A former foster youth is someone aged 24 or younger who was in foster care at age 18 or older, depending on the state’s foster age range.

All modified exceptions to these rules are set to expire on October 1, 2030.