"After a disruptive U.S. government shutdown, federal SNAP food assistance is again flowing to low-income households. But in the months ahead, many participants will have to abide by new work requirements. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly benefits averaging around $190 per person to about 42 million people nationwide."
"During the first couple weeks of November, many of those recipients missed their regular allotments as President Donald Trump's administration battled in court over whether to tap into reserves to fund the program while the government was shut down. Here's what to know about SNAP: The benefits are available across the country after lapses For the first part of the month, the situation was chaotic after the federal government said SNAP would not be funded because of the government shutdown. Some states replenished the electronic benefit cards used in the program either fully or partially, using their own funds or federal dollars that were part of court orders. Others didn't. Most states boosted food charities, but lines were long and some shelves were empty."
"A massive tax and spending bill signed into law in July by Trump expanded requirements for many adult SNAP recipients to work, volunteer or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month. Those who don't are limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period. The work requirements previously applied to adults ages 18 through 54 who are physically and mentally able and don't have dependents."
SNAP provides monthly benefits averaging about $190 per person to roughly 42 million people. The government shutdown caused many recipients to miss allotments in early November as officials debated tapping reserves to fund the program. State responses varied: some states replenished electronic benefit cards using state funds or court-ordered federal dollars, while others did not. Many food charities experienced long lines and empty shelves. After the government reopened on Nov. 12, states rushed to issue November benefits and participants should receive December benefits on their normal schedules. A July law expands work, volunteer, or training requirements for many adult recipients and imposes limits for noncompliance.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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