USDA Enforces Work Rules for SNAP Benefits
In a major move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that states must enforce work, career education, and volunteerism as conditions for receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The USDA’s new memorandum clarifies that able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must fulfill work requirements to qualify for benefits, reaffirming the need for self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on government assistance.
“Since my confirmation, I have reiterated the states are our partners, and this includes ensuring our nutrition programs are tied to putting Americans back to work,” said Secretary Rollins. “It is important to remind states that Congress conditioned the receipt of benefits by able-bodied adults without dependents on satisfying work requirements. Many states have abused the system by requesting work requirement waivers. Today marks the start of a new era for SNAP—prioritizing work, career and technical education, and volunteering rather than idleness, excess spending, and misapplication of the law.”
The amendment to the law highlights that work is essential for reducing public assistance dependency. It limits the use of waivers for ABAWDs, which states had used excessively in the past. States must ensure that those receiving SNAP benefits are either working, in career training, or volunteering, unless certain specific conditions are met, such as high local unemployment.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is committed to working closely with state agencies to provide guidance and technical assistance during the waiver review process, ensuring compliance with the law. The USDA aims to protect the integrity of SNAP and ensure that waivers are not misused, ultimately helping lift Americans out of dependency and into sustainable work opportunities.
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