The Food and Nutrition Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a proposed rule on April 30, 2024, to incorporate the new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements that passed in June as part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.
Two of the proposed rule’s provisions deal with exceptions to the SNAP work requirements. The first gradually raises the age-based exception from age 50 to age 55 to work or attend job training for at least 80 hours a month for adults without disabilities. The timeline for these new age exceptions occurs gradually over three periods:
- September 1, 2023: The exception to meet work requirements increases to age 50.
- October 1, 2023: The exception to meet work requirements increases to age 52.
- October 1, 2024: The exception to meet work requirements increases to age 54.
This provision also adds new exceptions to the work requirement. Those no longer required to submit proof of work are individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, and foster children under age 24 or younger.
The rule further proposes to reduce the number of discretionary exemptions, which extend eligibility by one month for individuals who fail to meet the time limit to satisfy work requirements, from 12% of covered individuals to 8%.
The final provision adds language to SNAP’s stated purpose to include assisting low-income adults in “obtaining employment and increasing their earnings.”
The USDA is accepting written comments for consideration until May 30, 2024.
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