According to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), unemployed childless adults who are not disabled but are in need of food between the ages of 18 and 50 will be cut off Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamp Program.
A Senate budget cut of $9 billion in early 2014 that is expected to reactivate a three-month federal time limit on benefits for people who are not enrolled in a work training program for at least 20 hours, the liberal think-tank cited. Kansas, Ohio and Oklahoma have already reinstated the three-month limit.
SNAP enrollment has been dropping for the past year, 46.5 million in September 2014 down from 47.3 million the previous year, according to the USDA, due to the improved economic situation after the recession.
However, those who are unable to find jobs will face harsh new regulations, since few states offer training or workfare programs that meet these new requirements.
"It is going to be an additional number of people losing benefits in 2016, even with normal caseload dynamics," states the CBPP.
The numbers represent people getting jobs as well as single people who no longer qualify for food stamp assistance, even though they are struggling financially.
"The loss of benefits will likely increase hardship for these 1 million unemployed Americans who rely upon SNAP to meet their basic nutritional needs," says the CBPP. "With Congress unlikely to act, states need to begin planning for the reduction to ensure that clients and the many organizations and SNAP stakeholders that work with them are aware of the upcoming change and its effects."
