The Trump administration issued a new rule that tightens work requirements for able-bodied adults under the age of 50 receiving SNAP benefits.
Trump administration’s new rule on food stamps will see hundreds of thousands of people lose benefits nationwide. File Photo
A new rule finalized by the Trump administration will tighten work requirements for food stamp
recipients and potentially slash benefits for more than 100,000 people in Illinois.
The nationwide move, announced Wednesday, targets abled-bodied adults receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that are under 50 years old who don’t have any children or dependents.
“Our administration has adamantly opposed the federal rule change to SNAP policy that would require work requirements from approximately 140,000 low-income individuals in Illinois and hundreds of thousands more across the country,” said Meghan Powers, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The 140,000 people impacted by the rule are nearly 8% of the 1.78 million Illinoisans that received SNAP benefits as of August 2019, according to the most recent numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Current rules state able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 can receive only three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period if they don’t meet the 80 hours a month work requirement.
However, states dealing with high unemployment rates or insufficient jobs usually could waive those time requirements.
But the new rule will impose a stricter criteria for states to meet in order to issue a waiver.
Now states won’t be allowed to issue waivers unless a city or county’s unemployment rate is 6% or higher and the governor’s support for the request will be required. The Illinois unemployment rate is 3.9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It is expected to save the government $5.5 billion over five years, but 688,000 SNAP recipients will also lose their benefits nationwide, said Brandon Lipps, deputy undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition and Consumer Services.
“Many SNAP participants face serious barriers to employment, such as mental illnesses, substance use disorders, justice involvement and significant physical limitations, and would not be able to immediately meet the work requirements.” Powers said.
Greg Trotter, a spokesman for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, said the new restrictions will have devastating impact for people depending on these benefits.
“SNAP is on the frontline against hunger in this country, and it helps lift people out of poverty,” Trotter said. “We are really worried people are going to slip through the cracks when they lose their benefits.”
The food depository simply doesn’t have the resources to replace SNAP and “for every single meal the food depository provides in Cook County, SNAP provides eight meals,” Trotter said.
“There are many reasons why someone may be considered able-bodied and not be able to meet the necessary work requirements,” Trotter said. “They could be dealing with undiagnosed mental health issues, they may have no car or they could be formerly incarcerated and can’t find a job.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the Trump administration’s new rule “cruel.”
“President [Donald] Trump is now resorting to the ugliest possible tactics to distract the American people from his impeachment,” said Pritzker in a statement. “As we move forward, we will do everything in our power to protect our residents from the President’s actions and ensure Illinois remains a place where all can thrive.”
Man.I sure hope this effects one of my across the street neighbors who is as healthy as a horse and is collecting these bennies. And he definitely is under the 50 year old threshold. I'll probably start hearing the screaming come out of his house when wakes his loser azz up at around noonish
ReplyDeleteGenerations of low life's have to get off the couch and work. No more "Gimme Dat Free Stuff" Should have been implimated years ago. Let the bleeding hearts whine about this.
ReplyDeleteAbout time we kick the freeloaders off the gravy train, now if we could only limit snap purchases to healthy food and require drug testing for benefits.
ReplyDeleteAble bodied people should work. If everyone expected the government to provide housing and food to everyone, there would be no income taxes to provide the services. Get a job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a concept "Work for Handouts".
ReplyDeleteI guess there are consequences for those who choose to abuse substances, and for those that choose a life of "criminal justice involvement". I'm all for these bustouts to take responsibility for their actions and end cradle to grave care. A few years ago the CC Medical Examinee was forced out of her job because 6 or 700 bodies were unclaimed by their families and were stacked up at the morgue. Another example of a certain segment of society that expected the gubmint to bury their dead family members. How about teaching personal responsibility and how to live a productive life in the public schools since it isn't being practiced or taught at home. I'm also tired of busting my butt to pay for not only my family, but those that chose to live a life consisting of poor decisions.
ReplyDeleteGo, Donald, go!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Democrats will whine that's cruel and inhumane. Cruel is forcing me to have to support these
ReplyDeleteLayabouts. Get an F***ing job there are help wanted signs everywhere.
GIBS ME DAT!!
ReplyDelete