Video: DHS Changes Food Stamp Program, Some Might Lose Benefits Soon

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JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – If you receive food stamp benefits, you might want to listen up.

Soon, thousands of Mississippi residents might lose their monthly benefits if they don’t find work.

As of January 1st, the Department of Human Services has implemented a new program that changes things up for some food stamp recipients.

The changes are part of a national trend to reduce the number of people dependent on the SNAP program, as the federal government reduces funding for the program.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services is beginning a new program.

It requires single people who receive food stamp benefits to find a job.

“This program is for SNAP recipients who have been identified at ABAWD. ABAWD individuals are Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents between the ages of 18 and 49. These individuals are required to participate in a mandatory employment in training activity,” said DHS Director, Dana Kidd.

The state has been under a waiver, which did not require ABAWD’s to participate in a work activity. That waiver expired on December 31st.

Kidd says there are plenty of work opportunities in Mississippi.

“We’ve worked very closely with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and they have identified thousands of jobs across the state that are vacant. Middle skill jobs and the Mississippi Dept of Human Services is focused on assisting our clients on getting access to those middle skill jobs so they become self sufficient,” said Kidd.

If participants don’t find work, there could be serious consequences.

“Those individuals who fail to meet the mandatory requirements will be subject to only receiving 3 months of benefits within a 36 months period unless they meet an exemption,” said Kidd.

Those exemptions include; pregnant women, those working 20 or more hours a week, or people determined to be mentally or physically unable to work.

Kidd says this is not meant to end the benefits for the nearly 75,000 ABAWD’s throughout the state but encourage those who are able to join the work force.

“No, we are definitely not trying to kick people out because we are giving them the opportunity to participate satisfactorily so they can continue their benefits,” said Kidd.
There is a $50 stipend to help with transportation for participants.
If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact your local DHS office as soon as possible.

Categories: Local News

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