AS NEW SNAP RULES LOOM, OFFICIALS WARN OF HEALTH CONSEQUENCES FOR PEOPLE CUT OFF
WBEZ
Cook County health officials are warning about the ripple effects to public health if thousands of residents lose access to one of the country’s largest food assistance programs for low-income households in the coming months.
About 400,000 Illinois residents could lose SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, by May 1 because of new work requirements, state officials say. The changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are part of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending plan approved by Congress last summer. Nearly 2 million Illinois residents are enrolled in the program.
The expanded work requirements now apply to people up to age 64, up from age 55; individuals who are homeless and veterans; and parents of teens 14 and older instead of 18 and older previously. Individuals will have to work or volunteer at least 80 hours per month to remain eligible.
A person who doesn’t meet the requirements can get benefits for only three months. After that three-month window, they will have to wait three years before reapplying.
“Food is not a luxury, it’s a basic human need, and it’s foundational to health, dignity and opportunity,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Wednesday at Provident Hospital. “When people have reliable access to nutritious food, they’re healthier, more stable and better able to care for their families and contribute to their communities.”