The future of SNAP hangs in the balance, with a new bill suggesting stricter limits on who can access benefits. The SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal initiative designed to offer food assistance to low-income individuals and families across the United States. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, households must satisfy specific criteria regarding their number of members, their income, and other.
But, some eligibility criteria could be tightened by a new bill introduced by House of Delegates, called House Bill 5642, aiming to alter the criteria for West Virginians to qualify for SNAP benefits. Will more families who no longer qualify be left out of the SNAP program? Well, that remains to be seen.
West Virginians to Apply for SNAP Benefits With Stricter Requirements
The proposed legislation, filed and presented on Monday, focuses on expanding the employment and training requirements mandated by the state for individuals seeking eligibility under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If enacted, House Bill 5642 would modify the West Virginia State Code to mandate individuals aged 17 to 60 to participate in an employment and training program, with specific exemptions.
Exemptions include those already fulfilling a work registration requirement, students attending a recognized school or training program at least half-time, individuals working a minimum of 30 hours weekly, or meeting weekly earnings equivalent to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938’s minimum hourly rate.
Other exemptions cover parents or household members responsible for caring for an incapacitated person or a child under six, individuals regularly engaged in a drug addiction or alcoholic treatment program, and those aged 16 to 18 attending school or enrolled in an employment training program on at least a half-time basis.
The legislation is sponsored by Delegate Jefferies (R-61) and has gained support from co-sponsors Delegates Hott (R-85), Heckert (R-13), and Barnhart (R-9). Following its introduction, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Health and Human Resources for further consideration.
Who Currently Qualifies for SNAP Benefits in West Virginia?
Household approval is determined by meeting or being presumed to have met the gross income limit based on size and composition, the net income limit considering size and composition, an asset limit, citizenship or immigration status requirements, residency prerequisites, and other SNAP-specific conditions.
To qualify for SNAP benefits, households must adhere to these stipulations, ensuring compliance with the specified income, asset, and residency thresholds, as well as meeting citizenship or immigration status requirements. Successful fulfillment of these criteria is essential for households seeking approval and access to the benefits offered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
While a single person can receive a maximum of $291 per month, a household of 2 people can receive up to $535, and the amount increases to $766 for a family of three members and to $973 for an average American household of four members.
For a household of 5 people, the monthly maximum is $1,155, for 6 people the monthly deposit is capped at $1,386, for 7 individuals it is at a maximum of $1,532, and for 8 the maximum is $1,751. From that number, each additional individual receives a maximum of $219 food stamps.