More than 40 million children, parents working at low wages, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, members of the active duty military, unemployed working-age adults, and others receive SNAP in an average month. The Food Research and Action Center describes it as “one of the jewels in the crown jewels of U.S. public policy”. The USDA’s request for comment about the harsh rule known as the Able-Bodied Adults without Dependent Children (ABAWD) appears to be open to suggestions on how to make the three-month time limit less onerous via administrative action. However, as we as we have stated in a letter to SNAP officials, NYLAG is concerned that the Administration’s true intent is to make the rule more draconian. The three-month time limit has already cut off food assistance to many clients we serve simply because they are unable to find a reliable 20-hour-a-week job. We oppose any change that will expand the scope of this rule and expose more people to this punitive policy.
Read the letter to SNAP Program Development Division here
