Your Snap Benefits May Change If You Live in These States

Photo courtesy by KALB/SNAPPhoto byKALB

SNAP benefit changes could be on the way for some states that are considering bills regarding the nationwide welfare program. Food Stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) pays out monthly amounts to low and no-income households across America and its territories. Recipients access the funds through an electronic benefit transfer card (EBT), which can be used at stores to buy food and drink. While SNAP is funded by the federal government, it is administered at the state level, meaning each state has the authority to set its own rules for eligibility. Each state can set the income limits.

There are a number of bills involving SNAP currently on the table in numerous U.S. states. While the following bills have not yet become law, they are currently going through the legislative process, and they could affect benefit recipients in the near future.

There are two SNAP bills being considered in Arizona. House Bill 2502, “would require able-bodied SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 and 60 to undergo an employment and training program.” Then, there is House Bill 2503. “Which would prohibit Arizona's Department of Economic Security from seeking or renewing work requirement waivers for those aged between 18 and 52 who do not have any dependents and are also able-bodied.”

The following have proposels on the table to change SNAP Benefits

Iowa

Lawmakers in Iowa have presented a bill that would limit what SNAP recipients are permitted to buy using their EBT cards. Under the proposal, claimants would not be allowed to buy "candy and non-sugar-free soda" with the state benefit.

Kentucky

Kentucky's House of Representatives voted to approve House Bill 367. Per House Bill 367, “which would implement a financial asset test and make income requirements stricter for SNAP applicants.”

The bill is still awaiting to go through the Senate, this bill will change the maximum asset limits of $2,750 for SNAP applicants and drop the limit for gross income from 200 percent of the poverty level to 130 percent.

Nebraska

Nebraskans who claim SNAP benefits may also have to undergo a mandatory work and training program if bill LB 1381 becomes law. The state already has a voluntary work and training program in place. LB 1381, would also stop any person with "three or more felony convictions for the possession or use of a controlled substance" and anyone convicted of the sale or intent to sell drugs from claiming SNAP benefits.

Ohio

SNAP benefits could increase for older under House Bill 428. The bill states anyone receiving less than $50 per month in food stamps would get a supplemental payment, so they can receive at least $50 per month benefits. The bill has been co-signed by 20 House Democrats in the state, with Republican State Representative Jay Edwards also signing.

West Virginia

Under West Virginia's current rules, able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 52 are required to work to obtain SNAP funds, but new bill SB562 could see the age increased to 59 for able-bodied people without dependents.