New Rules Take Effect for Michigan SNAP Recipients: What You Need to Know
Impact of New SNAP Regulations on Michigan Residents
For nearly a month, over a million residents in Michigan experienced significant delays in receiving their food assistance benefits due to the government shutdown. Now, with the implementation of the Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill," many families are facing substantial changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes include stricter eligibility rules and new work requirements that could affect a wide range of individuals across the state.
Michael Montgomery, a lecturer in the Department of Health & Human Services at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, emphasized the importance of the program. "This is not something for other people. This is a program that reaches people in your town, in your neighborhood, perhaps on your block need this," he said.
Under the new legislation, all SNAP recipients in Michigan must now work, train, or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month, which equates to an average of 20 hours per week. This requirement has raised concerns among community leaders and advocates who worry about its impact on vulnerable populations.
Arnold Boyd, president and CEO of Student Transportation Services, highlighted the real-world effects of these changes. "It affects students being able to sit and pay attention in class because they're hungry. It affects seniors being able to choose whether they want to buy medications or eat," he explained.
CBS News Detroit contacted the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), which confirmed that some cities and counties, including Detroit and Eastpointe, are exempt from the new rules. However, experts like Montgomery stress that this does not mean residents in the metro area should ignore the changes.
"This is not something to see in 'us and them' terms. This is all of us, potentially, at any given moment," Montgomery said. He pointed out that the changes could affect anyone, regardless of their current financial situation.
Boyd, who runs a local school bus company, works closely with hundreds of students and families who rely on food assistance. He believes the funding is more than just for snacks and pantry staples—it plays a crucial role in helping people make critical life decisions. "It's about people making decisions, decisions on whether or not they're going to pay their rent. People making decisions on whether or not they're going to pay for their medication, people making decisions on whether or not they're going to eat," he said.
Other key changes under the new law include expanding the age guidelines for eligibility by 10 years, allowing recipients up to age 64, and potentially cutting off services for those who fail to meet the work requirements for three months over a three-year period.
Montgomery explained that the issue is not about eligibility but rather the difficulty some individuals face in demonstrating compliance with the new rules. "That's not because people aren't eligible with these new requirements, it's because they experience difficulty in demonstrating that they are compliant with the new requirement," he said.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office for assistance in understanding and navigating the changes in the coming days and weeks. As the program continues to evolve, advocates remain concerned about the long-term impact on low-income families across the state.
Key Changes Introduced by the New Legislation
- Work Requirements: All SNAP recipients must now work, train, or volunteer for at least 80 hours a month.
- Age Expansion: The eligibility age limit has been increased by 10 years, allowing recipients up to age 64.
- Compliance Penalties: Recipients who fail to meet work requirements for three months within a three-year period may lose their benefits.
- Exemptions: Certain cities and counties, such as Detroit and Eastpointe, are currently exempt from the new rules.
Concerns from Community Leaders
- Impact on Students: Hunger can affect students’ ability to focus in class, according to Arnold Boyd.
- Senior Citizens: Many seniors face difficult choices between buying medications and eating.
- Financial Decisions: Food assistance helps families decide whether to pay rent, buy medicine, or afford meals.
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