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Changes Made To SNAP Work Requirements
A customer picks produce at the Fairfield Farmers’ Market on June 15, 2023.
(
Semantha Norris
/
CalMatters
)
Topline:
While many states are implementing changes beginning this month, CA will not see changes until November 2024. CA was granted a waiver through October 2024.
Future changes: California has a waiver in place for work requirements through October 31, 2024. Come November 1st, 2024, able bodied adults between the ages of 18 to 54 without children or dependents living with them will have to show that they have worked at least 80 hours a month to qualify for Cal Fresh benefits.
Who’s exempt: There are a variety of ways to be exempt. Unhoused people, veterans and those up to 24 years old out of the foster care system are exempt from his requirement.
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Why it matters: Around 5 million people in California benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, locally known as CalFresh. According to the California Budget and Policy Center, the program has helped in reducing poverty among families.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that around 750,000 adults aged 50-54 — with nearly half of that women — could lose out on SNAP benefits because of this requirement.
The backstory: Earlier this year, those on SNAP were dealt another blow when federal pandemic assistance ended, reducing payments by about $90 each month for an individual and by $250 for some households.
Previously, able-bodied, childless applicants had to show that they worked at least 20 hours a week to qualify for the benefits. The changes to the work requirements were proposed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and supported by Republicans as a way to reduce the debt ceiling.
Corrected September 5, 2023 at 5:06 PM PDT
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the changes will go into effect in CA now. The changes will not go into effect until November 2024.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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