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SNAP Program Work Requirements

Washington, D.C., February 20, 2019

Many of our neighbors right here in South Carolina rely on a program called SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is the largest program of its kind. It works by sending resources to state agencies to assist those who need help putting food on their family’s table.

Before we go any further, let this sink in for a minute: it is right – even moral – for a nation with our means to provide a hunger safety net.

It is also appropriate to insist on reasonable work requirements for able-bodied adults who are beneficiaries of SNAP. There is value in work, and so I am pleased with a proposed rule that would require 80 hours of work (or workfare) per month for able-bodied adults in certain situations.

Under this proposed rule, the 80-hour requirement could be paid work or unpaid/volunteer activity verified by the State. It could also include certain education or job training programs under workfare. It would not be required of adults who have dependents, or of pregnant women. It would not apply to those under 18 or over 49 years old, or who live in an area without sufficient job opportunities. Nor would it apply to those who are medically certified as unfit to work.

This is not asking too much. SNAP is a very beneficial hunger safety net, but it shouldn’t be a vehicle for perpetual government reliance. Particularly for able-bodied adults without dependents, who are capable of work.