Big changes for SNAP recipients go into effect Sunday. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks said able-bodied adults ages 18 to 52, without dependents will be limited to three months of benefits, unless they live in one of the 33 exempted parishes that have high unemployment or not enough jobs available.
“But this change then requires those that are not in the exempted parishes to show evidence that their work and or activity is at least 80 hours a month,” said Ricks.
They must provide proof of at least 80 hours a month they are looking for a job, volunteering and/or working. Ricks said those who will be impacted have received notification. Previous requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, she said, haven’t changed.
A Cost-of-Living Adjustment also goes into effect Sunday. Ricks said SNAP recipients who are eligible for the maximum benefit should see about a 3.5-percent increase in their monthly food allotment. For example…
“A family of one receiving $281 a month, with this change they would be receiving $291 a month, so that’s an increase of $10,” said Ricks.
Ricks said the cost-of-living-adjustment, also known as COLA, is based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index trends.
“To just keep up with what you and I are also seeing in the grocery store, with groceries just getting higher and higher,” said Ricks.
For more information visit dcfs.la.gov
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