Beginning October 1, 2023, there have been some significant changes to the SNAP food stamp program in Louisiana targeted at the population consisting of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. This change involves stricter work requirements and time limits by law under the Fiscal Responsibility Act to certain beneficiaries receiving such benefits. If one does not fall within these new criteria, then they run a risk of losing their food stamp benefits. This article goes over major changes and how it will affect the Louisiana community.
Overview of SNAP in Louisiana
SNAP is a Federally Funded program administered through the states to assist low income families purchase food. SNAP serves approximately 848,000 Louisianans who depend upon its assistance to meet their basic nutritional needs. The food stamp program has undergone several changes in the last ten years, the most recent of which touted to move the program toward Self-sufficiency while taking steps to ensure integrity of the program.
Historically, SNAP had the exemption from work requirements; however, with the rule tightening for ABAWDs, this means that many recipients will find themselves having to follow new rules to receive their benefits.
New work requirements for ABAWDs
With the implementation of new rules on October 1, 2023, the following list comprises changes related to ABAWDs:
- Increase in age limit: The age limit for ABAWDs was increased from 52 to 54. Individuals between the ages of 18 to 54 must comply with the new requirements for work.
- Work hours: A major change is that ABAWDs must demonstrate that they work or perform other listed activities for at least 80 hours a month. Activities that may require this much time include paid employment, volunteer work, or an employment training program.
- Time limit on benefits: Effective October 1, individuals not meeting these work requirements will receive no more than three months of benefits in any 36-month period unless they are granted an exemption.
The above changes in the work requirements have been designed to make the recipients self-sufficient and independent rather than dependent upon governmental assistance.
Exemptions and special considerations
Although most individuals will be subject to the new work requirements, there are individuals that may be exempt from the work requirements:
- People experiencing homelessness: Work requirements do not apply to homeless individuals.
- Veterans: Veterans may also be eligible for exemptions.
- Young adults in foster care: Young adults, ages 18 to 24, in foster care on their eighteenth birthday are also exempt from requirements.
Recipients who believe they may be exempt should contact the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services to confirm their status via email at LAHelpU.DCFS@la.gov or call 1-888-LA-HELP-U (1-888-524-3578).
Penalties for non-compliance
SNAP recipients who fail to meet the new work requirements will face some serious consequences:
- Loss of benefits: An ABAWD failing to meet the work requirement or failing to be exempt would not continue to receive SNAP benefits after a period of three months. This will further increase food insecurity among many already economically burdened families.
- Administrative burdens: The new rules create an additional administrative burden for DCFS. With large caseloads and relatively limited staffing, the risk is that eligible individuals will be disenrolled due to administrative error or other complications created by these new requirements.
Community impact and concerns
The reinstatement of work requirements has become a contentious issue among policymakers and advocates. While some argue such measures promote personal responsibility and will pave the way to help people get back into the workforce, others fear possible negative consequences for those most vulnerable:
- Food insecurity: The state experiences some of the worst levels of food insecurity in the country. Besides, SNAP being taken away would further hurt many families who are striving hard to keep up with better nutrition.
- Economic conditions: Most employees in Louisiana are facing variable hour jobs or seasonal ones. Such ups and downs may make it quite hard for people to maintain the necessary number of hours each month with consistency.
- Administrative challenges: Advocates maintain that heightened administrative burden can make eligible individuals ineligible for SNAP as the result of some bureaucratic mistake or ineptitude.
