With a New Debt Deal in Place, Here's How SNAP Requirements Have Changed

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for many Americans who need a little help covering grocery costs. But, even as food inflation continues to put a strain on people's bank accounts, qualifying for SNAP is getting harder for some individuals.

In fact, as many as 750,000 older workers in the U.S. may see their eligibility for SNAP benefits jeopardized thanks to new changes to the program. Here's what you need to know.

The debt ceiling deal puts new work requirements on older SNAP beneficiaries

Lawmakers recently agreed on a deal to raise the debt ceiling in the United States after prolonged negotiations.

This deal averted a financial crisis by protecting the full faith and credit of the United States and ensuring the country can still pay its bills and fulfill its financial obligations. However, part of the deal included imposing new work requirements on SNAP beneficiaries.

Under the current law, childless workers between the ages of 18 and 49 are limited to receiving just three months of SNAP benefits over a three-year period unless they can demonstrate they are either working for at least 20 hours weekly or are engaged in a job training program for that duration of time.

Those who do not meet these requirements can receive more benefits only if they fall within an exempt category, such as having a physical or mental disability that prevents them from holding down a job.

The new legislation will now expand this work requirement so it applies to childless adults between the ages of 50 and 54.

There are some new exemptions being added as well, with unhoused people, veterans, and individuals in the foster care system becoming exempt from reporting mandates. But, for most older Americans, the important change is that they will now need to show they are doing at least 20 hours weekly of work or job training or they will be subject to strict new limitations on claiming SNAP benefits.

When do the new requirements go into effect?

SNAP recipients who are 50 to 54 and who are affected by the change have some time to make alternative arrangements. The new mandates are being phased in, beginning 90 days after the law is enacted, starting with those who are aged 50. And, individuals who are 53 and 54 won't be subject to the new rules until 2024.

Still, there is concern that the loss of eligibility could create serious financial hardship for the approximately three-fourths of a million people who are relying on SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. Many of those who are claiming this aid do not have other funds to rely on to cover the lost benefits. Some don't have the ability to work for various reasons, such as being out of the workforce for too long. And many have no easy access to credit to help them borrow affordably. In short, this change will strain a lot of people's checking accounts.

Those who are affected should know there may be other resources out there, including local food banks that can provide assistance. Feeding America is a great source of information on where to find help, so take the time to start researching now if the SNAP changes may impact you.