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A bill introduced in Kentucky could significantly change the requirements for SNAP benefit recipients.
House Bill 235, introduced to the Kentucky Legislature on January 11, proposed that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients should either be in employment or undergo mandatory work training.
SNAP, commonly referred to as food stamps, helps its claimants pay for groceries. The federal government benefit is available for low, or no, income households, with a focus on supporting the elderly, those with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across the country.
The bill is sponsored by Republican Representatives Kimberly Moser, David Meade and Kim King. According to the text, the proposal will "reduce administrative costs associated with the program, enhance program integrity, and promote self-sufficiency among program participants."
"It's not something that individuals should be on forever," Moser said, according to Local12. "It's meant to be a hand up, and we are just looking for ways to really help individuals get back into the workforce."
Newsweek has contacted Moser via email for comment.
Those required to undertake the training program would have to complete an initial assessment. The bill says that any work program introduced for SNAP recipients would be voluntary, but those who do not take part will be subject to "discontinuance or reduction" in their payments. Certain claimants won't be subject to the work and training program.
Tyler Offerman, the food justice organizer of advocacy group Kentucky Equal Justice Center, told Local12: "House Bill 235 is based on a false premise. We know from other states that these programs don't work, but we also know from Kentucky that these programs don't work."
According to the Kentucky government benefits resource Kynect, to be eligible for SNAP any household member aged 18 to 59 years old must participate in work registration, as well as 16 and 17-year-olds in some circumstances.
Kentucky is one of 44 states that received a letter from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack over concerns regarding state-level administration of the food benefit. It comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture warned of widespread delays to processing and certification and the"negative impact this is having on SNAP program integrity and, most importantly, on families in need."
States have been told to "make investments in systems and staffing to improve efficiency, provide excellent customer service, and meet federal standards."
Recent reporting by Newsweek found that some states are leaving SNAP recipients waiting months for a decision on their applications. SNAP benefits are funded by the federal government. but distributed at the state level and, in some areas, by county authorities.
Do you claim SNAP benefits and live in Kentucky? Are you worried about what the proposed changes could mean for you? Email a.higham@newsweek.com
About the writer
Aliss Higham is a Newsweek reporter based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her focus is reporting on Social Security, other government benefits ... Read more