Changes to SNAP effective Oct. 1 and Nov. 1
Effective October 1, 2013 Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) will no longer be exempt from the SNAP Employment & Training requirements. This means that adults who are able to work and don’t have dependents (ABAWD) can only get SNAP benefits for three months in a 36-month period unless they meet at least one of the following:
- You work at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month)
- You participate in an approved employment program at least 80 hours per month
- You are receiving cash assistance
- You are certified unable to work
- You live on Bois Forte, Fond Du Lac, Leech Lake, Lower Sioux, Mille Lacs, Red Lake or White Earth Reservations
- You live in Cass, Clearwater, Kanabec, or Mille Lacs counties
- You are pregnant
- You are under age 18 or older than age 50
You should have received this notice in the mail if you are affected by these changes. If you are currently enrolled in SNAP, you can contact your worker to see if you meet any of these exemptions or call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151.
Changes to SNAP benefit amounts
Effective October 1, 2013, there will be a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase to SNAP shelter deductions, which will result in a small benefit increase for some SNAP participants. SNAP participants who do not receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size and have shelter deductions may see a slight increase in their food benefit. No notice will be sent to those affected.
In addition, effective November 1, 2013 all SNAP participants’ monthly benefit amounts will be reduced. This reduction in benefit amounts is because the 2009 American Recovery Act, which temporarily boosted benefits, expires in November. The amount of benefit reduction will vary by household size, but, for example, a household of three will experience about a $29 per month reduction in benefit. Notices will be sent about this change.
If you have any questions about these changes or SNAP, please contact the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151.