Some residents of Washington D.C. will now have to demonstrate that they work or volunteer in order to receive food assistance. A change imposed by the federal government that, according to lawyers representing the city’s poorest residents, will increase hunger in the coming months and years.
Work requirements apply to adults who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It would also apply to those who do not qualify for other exemptions, such as having young children or a disability. All these requirements are being implemented gradually throughout the country.
A new law requires them to demonstrate that they work at least 20 hours per week. Or they can also participate in an approved training program or volunteer for a certain number of hours per month. According to officials at DC’s Department of Human Services, eligibility for the SNAP program could be affected by the change, which took effect locally on Monday.
What Do the New Work Requirements for SNAP Demand?
However, critics warn that the new requirements could affect a larger percentage of the 133,000 residents of the city who receive SNAP. Some might mistakenly think they no longer qualify for benefits, which would lead them not to renew their certification.
“One of our greatest concerns is that there are people who, despite meeting the requirements to receive these benefits, are left unprotected,” said Jessica Berger, supervising attorney at Legal Aid DC, which helps people access public benefits. “Research indicates that the most vulnerable people and those facing the greatest obstacles are the ones who end up losing access to these benefits.”
At the national level, the effects of these changes could be significant. The Congressional Budget Office estimated last year that on average, around 3.2 million people could stop receiving SNAP program benefits each month if the new work requirements were to take effect.
How Will the Changes Be Implemented in Washington D.C.?
In Washington D.C., implementation will be gradual and authorities emphasize that no one will lose their benefits immediately. On the contrary, the work requirements will take effect when a SNAP beneficiary must
