The first wave of Marylanders who cannot prove they are working at least 20 hours a week could start losing their monthly food assistance by the end of this month under new federal rules.
The new work requirement for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is one of the first major changes to came out of the federal budget reconciliation bill HR 1, better known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The law expands number of “able-bodied adults” who need to prove to state officials that they are working, volunteering or attending a job training program for approximately 20 hours a week (80 hours a month) to stay enrolled in SNAP.
Prior to HR 1, work requirements applied to people aged 18 through 54 who did not have dependents under the age of 18. The law expands the requirement up to age 64 and, while households with children aged 13 and under will remain exempt from work requirements, SNAP households with older teens are now subject to the rule…