Louisiana DCFS Changes SNAP Eligibility Requirements, Ending Work Requirement Waivers in 33 Parishes

In a significant change affecting food assistance benefits, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is altering its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements. Previously, people in certain parishes were exempt from work requirements due to economic hardships. However, with the implementation of Act 308, this is no longer the case.

For many years, some areas in Louisiana have had time limit waivers for SNAP benefits, meaning individuals didn’t have to meet work requirements to qualify. The parishes that previously qualified for these waivers included Assumption, Avoyelles, Bienville, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, East Carroll, Evangeline, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Madison, Morehouse, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Richland, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. James, St. John The Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terrebonne, Union, Washington, West Carroll, and Winn.

These waivers were in place to support individuals living in areas with higher unemployment or other economic challenges. However, with the passage of Act 308, the state can no longer offer these waivers, meaning people in these 33 parishes will now have to meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits if they are considered able-bodied.

Who Must Meet the New Requirements?

According to the DCFS, the new rules primarily target able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 54 who do not have children under the age of 18 living in their homes. Previously, this age range was 18 to 52, but the recent changes expanded it to include individuals up to 54 years old.

These individuals, referred to as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs), are required to work or participate in qualifying programs for at least 80 hours a month to remain eligible for SNAP. If they do not meet this requirement, they are limited to receiving benefits for just three months over a 36-month period.

What Are the Work Requirements?

The work requirement can be fulfilled in several ways. ABAWDs can:

• Work at least 80 hours a month in paid employment.

• Participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program, which provides opportunities for job training and skill development.

• Attend school, whether it’s college, vocational training, or any other educational program.

• Combine work and schooling to meet the 80-hour monthly requirement.

The DCFS is offering various resources to help individuals meet these new requirements. Sammy Guillory, the Assistant Secretary over the Family Support Division at DCFS, explained that there are multiple ways for people to remain eligible. "We have a SNAP training program that people can participate in. They can work 20 hours a week, attend school, or a combination of those," said Guillory.

Impact on the Community

The DCFS expects these changes to have a significant impact, with over 20,000 people in Louisiana affected. Some individuals who were previously exempt due to the waivers will now have to meet the work requirements or lose their benefits after three months.

While the changes aim to encourage people to enter the workforce or participate in job training, reactions have been mixed. On social media, some individuals have expressed frustration, arguing that the new rules will make it harder for those who are struggling to maintain access to food assistance. Others believe the changes should have been made sooner, saying that encouraging work is essential for long-term financial stability.

Guillory acknowledged the potential for backlash but emphasized that the DCFS is offering more opportunities for people to meet the requirements. "We expect some backlash, but we feel like getting people to work is important. We’ve expanded our SNAP EBT program and have more opportunities for people to participate and to meet an exemption if they cannot find work or schooling on their own," he explained.

The Three-Month Rule

One of the more significant aspects of the new rules is the three-month time limit for ABAWDs who do not meet the work requirements. This means that individuals can receive SNAP benefits for only three months out of every 36-month period unless they comply with the work rules. This time limit has been a source of concern for many, particularly those in areas where jobs are scarce or where transportation to work or training programs is limited.

Those who were previously covered by waivers will still be able to receive three months of benefits within 36 months, even if they do not meet the new requirements. However, after that period, they must either find a way to comply with the work requirements or lose their eligibility.

Support and Resources

For those struggling to meet the new requirements, DCFS has expanded its resources. The SNAP Employment and Training Program provides assistance with job searches, skill-building, and educational opportunities to help individuals meet the 80-hour work or training requirement. The program is designed to help participants gain the skills they need to find long-term employment and become self-sufficient.

DCFS officials are encouraging those affected by the changes to explore the available options and to take advantage of the support provided through the SNAP program. While the new rules may present challenges for some, the DCFS is hopeful that the expanded training and education opportunities will help people find stable employment and reduce their reliance on assistance.

In summary, the recent changes to Louisiana's SNAP program, brought about by Act 308, are aimed at encouraging more people to participate in the workforce or receive job training. While the new requirements will impact many individuals, especially in the 33 parishes that previously had waivers, DCFS is providing resources to help people meet the eligibility criteria and continue receiving benefits. The full effects of these changes will unfold over time, as both the DCFS and affected individuals adapt to the new rules.