SNAP

As the country gets back to normal after the shut down the news about SNAP has died down. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly benefits averaging about $190 per person to about 42 million people nationwide. Prior to the new bill able-bodied adults without children between ages 18 and 54 had to work 80 hours per month and certain groups were exempt, including veterans, homeless and youth aging out of foster care. After the new bill the age requirements were expanded to 18 to 64, the exempted groups were eliminated, the 80 hour per month work requirement was retained and adults with children over 14 were included. Not included in SNAP stats are 7 million able-bodied single men between the ages of 18 to 54 who could work but choose not to work. There are many millions of jobs open right now where the main qualification is showing up on time and these employers cannot find help.