The United States has tightened the requirements for recipients of food stamps: thousands of people may lose benefits

В Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), popularly known as Food Stamp Benefits, raised the age limit for recipients who must work to remain eligible for benefits. Previously, Food Stamp recipients aged 18 to 49 were required to work. Starting September 1, all able-bodied New Yorkers between the ages of 18 and 50 must work for SNAP. At the same time, the age threshold will increase again in the near future.

Details of the new requirements

Effective September 1, able-bodied adults (ages 18 to 50) without dependents must prove they worked or completed a job training program for at least 80 hours per month to be eligible for SNAP benefits.

Those who cannot verify their employment or training are eligible for SNAP benefits for up to three months over a three-year period.

New increase in the age threshold for employment

The mandatory employment age threshold for Food Stamp Benefits will be raised again to 52 years from October 1 this year, and then to 54 years from October 1, 2024.

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The employment requirement does not apply to the following groups of adults:

• those who cannot work due to physical or mental limitations;
• pregnant women;
• the household receiving SNAP assistance has children under 18 years of age;
• veterans;
• those who were or are homeless.

The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that changes to the program's eligibility requirements will put approximately 750 Americans at risk, including 000 New Yorkers.