New work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) took effect Sunday, expanding eligibility restrictions for additional groups of recipients under provisions included in legislation signed into law last year.

Adults ages 18 to 64 without dependent children must now work, participate in employment training programs, or volunteer at least 80 hours monthly to maintain benefits. Those who fail to meet this requirement can receive assistance for only three months within a three-year period.

The expanded rules now apply to adults ages 55 to 64 and parents with children ages 14 or older, groups that were previously exempt. The law also eliminates prior exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and young adults ages 18 to 24 who were in foster care at age 18.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the provisions will reduce SNAP participation by approximately 2.4 million people over the next decade. About one-third of those affected are able-bodied adults without dependent children, while roughly 300,000 are adults living with children ages 14 or older.

The changes also impose limits on future benefit increases and modify how certain living expenses are calculated when determining monthly aid amounts, potentially reducing benefit levels for some households over time.

Implementation varies by state. Texas began enforcing the new requirements in October, while Alaska, Hawaii, Colorado, and Georgia started in November. Illinois and Ohio are among states where broader implementation began Sunday.

Counties with unemployment rates above 10% may qualify for waivers from the work requirements. Alaska and Hawaii can suspend the requirements if unemployment reaches 1.5 times the national average.

Nearly 42 million Americans currently receive SNAP benefits. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 80% of SNAP households have gross incomes at or below the federal poverty line.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Google, & X

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com