A Look at What is Going On With Food Stamps

You might have heard adults talking about food stamps, or maybe seen people using an EBT card at the grocery store. It’s a program that helps families buy groceries when money is tight. But lately, there’s been a lot of buzz and changes, making many wonder: what is going on with food stamps? Let’s break down some of the important updates and how they affect people across the country.

Recent Changes to Benefit Amounts

A big question on many people’s minds is whether food stamp benefits have changed recently. Yes, for many families, the amount of money they get for food stamps each month has decreased significantly. This happened because an emergency boost that was put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic ended for everyone in March 2023. This extra help was called “emergency allotments,” and it meant that all households got the maximum benefit allowed for their family size, plus at least an extra $95. Now that it’s over, benefits have gone back to the way they were calculated before the pandemic, which means less money for groceries for a lot of people.

Who Qualifies Now? Understanding Eligibility

Food stamps, officially called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), are for low-income individuals and families. The rules for who can get them haven’t changed a lot fundamentally, but some things can make it tricky.

Generally, your household’s income must be below a certain amount, usually 130% of the federal poverty level. This means if you’re a family of three, your monthly income has to be less than about $2,693 to be eligible.

There are also limits on how much money you have in a bank account or other resources, though some things like your home or car usually don’t count. Some states have different rules, too.

All these things get looked at when figuring out if you qualify and how much help you can get:

1. Your total income
2. Number of people in your household
3. Your expenses (like rent and utilities)
4. Sometimes, your assets

The EBT Card and What You Can Buy

If you qualify for food stamps, you don’t get actual stamps or cash. Instead, you get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It looks and works just like a debit card.

You can use your EBT card at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and even some online grocery stores. When you check out, you swipe your card and enter your PIN, and the money for your food comes right off your balance.

It’s important to remember that EBT cards are only for food items. You can buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and even seeds and plants to grow food.

What you *cannot* buy with an EBT card:

• Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, liquor)
• Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars)
• Vitamins and medicines
• Hot, prepared foods from the deli or restaurant
• Non-food items like pet food, paper products, or cleaning supplies

Work Requirements and Who They Affect

One of the biggest changes recently involves work requirements for certain adults. For a while, some work requirements were paused, but now they are coming back, and even getting stricter for some people.

Before, most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between 18 and 49 years old could only get food stamps for three months out of every three years if they weren’t working or in a work-training program for at least 20 hours a week.

Now, this age range is expanding. Starting in October 2023, it will include ABAWDs up to age 51. Then, in October 2024, it will include those up to age 53. This means more people will need to meet work requirements to keep their benefits.

There are still exemptions for people who are pregnant, medically unfit for work, or caring for a child.

Different Rules in Different States

Even though SNAP is a federal program, each state gets to manage it and sometimes tweak the rules a bit. This means what’s true for food stamps in California might be different from what’s true in Texas or New York.

States can have different income limits or deductions they allow for things like housing costs or medical expenses. This can change how much a family receives in benefits.

Another big difference is how states handle the work requirements. States can apply for waivers to pause or change these rules in areas with high unemployment. This means some states might be more flexible than others for certain groups.

For example, some states make it easier to apply online, while others might require more in-person visits or paperwork. It’s always a good idea to check your specific state’s SNAP website or contact your local office.

• State A: May have a higher income limit.
• State B: May offer more work requirement exemptions.
• State C: Might have different reporting rules for income changes.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

When you see big changes like these, it’s natural to wonder why. The recent shifts in food stamp rules and benefit amounts are mainly due to a few factors.

First, the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency meant that the special emergency food stamp benefits also expired. These were temporary boosts meant to help families during a really tough time.

Second, the government passed a new law called the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This law included changes to the work requirements for food stamps, expanding them to older age groups. The goal of this law was to save money and encourage more people to work.

These reasons combined led to the changes we’re seeing:

1. End of COVID-19 emergency measures.
2. New government laws (Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023).
3. Efforts to reduce government spending.
4. Belief that more people should be working.

Impact on Families and Communities

When food stamp benefits decrease or eligibility rules tighten, it has a real impact on families and the broader community. For many, food stamps are a lifeline that helps put food on the table.

Lower benefits mean families have less money to buy groceries, which can lead to increased food insecurity. This means people might skip meals, eat less healthy food, or worry more about where their next meal will come from.

Food banks and other charities often see a rise in demand when food stamp benefits are cut. They work hard to fill the gap, but it can be a huge challenge for them to keep up.

The changes can lead to:

It’s a ripple effect that touches many aspects of daily life for those who rely on this help.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

The world of food stamps and public assistance is always changing, and it’s hard to predict everything that will happen. However, it’s likely that the work requirements will continue to be a focus.

States will be working to implement the new age limits for work requirements. This means more outreach and education for those affected to make sure they understand what they need to do to keep their benefits.

There’s always a debate in government about how much help to offer and who should receive it. You might see ongoing discussions about the SNAP program in the news or during election times.

For families using food stamps, staying informed is key.

• Check your state’s SNAP website regularly for updates.
• Contact your local SNAP office if you have questions about your benefits or eligibility.
• Look for information from reliable news sources about upcoming policy changes.

Things can always shift, so being aware is the best way to prepare.

So, what is going on with food stamps is a mix of changes to how much money people receive, who has to work to get benefits, and how states handle the program. These changes are having a big effect on many families trying to make ends meet. It’s a complex issue with different viewpoints, but understanding the basics can help you see why these discussions are so important for people’s lives and their ability to put food on the table.