SNAP struggles to impact 36K West Virginians
(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)
CHARLESTON – Federally mandated changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents policy went into effect on Saturday, the West Virginia Department of Human Services said. The changes will affect about 36,000 SNAP recipients in West Virginia, the state said. Among the changes implemented by the department’s Bureau for Family Assistance is an expanded age range, removal of certain exemptions, an update to the definition of dependent and a new Native American exemption. The expanded age range will now include individuals from18 to 64 years old. Individuals are considered in the age range beginning the month after their 18th birthday and remain until the month they turn 65, the state said. Previous exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness and former foster youth under age 25 have been removed. Individuals in these categories must now meet the policy work requirements unless they qualify for another exemption. The definition for a dependent in the context of the policy exemption has been updated. Now only dependents under 14 will qualify as an adult for exemption. Adults caring for youth ages 14-17 must meet work requirements unless otherwise exempt. The New Native American Exemption excludes “SNAP recipients who are Indians, Urban Indians or California Indians (as these terms are defined by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act)” from the policy time limits. For more information call the state Office of Constituent Services at 1-877-716-1212.Local News
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