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LANSING - In a press release published Oct. 30, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported that it had been notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) that updated federal work requirements for able-bodied adults ages 18 to 64 without dependents under 14 who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue in Michigan and were reinstated in eight counties as of Sunday, Nov. 1.
Per federal policy, able-bodied adults without dependents under the age of 14 (ABAWDs) may only receive food assistance benefits for up to three months within a 36-month period without meeting federal work requirements. This is known as time-limited food assistance (TLFA) work requirements. FNA can temporarily waive TLFA in areas with an unemployment rate above 10%.
Due to past Michigan unemployment rates, MDHHS received a federal waiver that paused work requirements for some able-bodied adults. As the economy shifts and due to changes to federal waiver requirements, MDHHS is required to implement TLFA work requirements for all regions no longer covered by the federal waiver.
Eight counties and one city previously covered by the waiver had work requirements reinstated Nov. 1: Alger, Arenac, Iosco, Iron, Luce, Montmorency, Oceana, and Roscommon counties, as well as the city of Bay City.
The work requirements remain temporarily waived in Alcona, Cheboygan, Mackinac, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle, and Schoolcraft counties, alongside the cities of Detroit, Eastpointe, Flint, Jackson, and Saginaw.
SNAP, a critical program for families and individuals across Michigan that helps them access food, is the nation's largest food assistance program and one of the most effective tools for reducing food insecurity. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits.
"The SNAP work requirements affect thousands of individuals who rely on food assistance to help meet basic needs. Our priority is ensuring that participants understand what these changes mean and where to find help," said Amy Epkey, acting director of MDHHS. "It's important that we work together to ensure that people have pathways to work, training and stability as well as the resources needed to maintain food security."
Meeting Federal Requirements
Affected recipients can maintain their benefits by completing at least 80 hours per month through paid employment, unpaid work, or volunteer service for goods or services. Alternatively, participants can fulfill the requirement by completing 80 hours monthly in an approved Food Assistance Employment and Training program through Michigan Works! in participating counties, or by volunteering at a non-profit organization. For non-profit volunteers or workfare participants, the exact monthly hour requirement is calculated by dividing the household’s total monthly benefit by Michigan’s minimum wage.
Exemptions and Deferrals
Federal policy automatically excuses certain individuals from these requirements. Exemptions apply to recipients who are physically or mentally unable to work, pregnant, caring for an incapacitated person or a child under age 6, or residing with a child under age 14.
Deferrals also apply to individuals receiving or applying for unemployment benefits, participating in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, attending college or vocational training at least half-time while meeting student eligibility rules, receiving disability benefits such as SSI or State Disability Assistance, or identifying as an Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian.
SNAP remains the nation’s largest food assistance program, serving approximately 1.4 million Michigan residents--or nearly 13% of households statewide.
Recipients with questions about their status are urged to log into their MI Bridges online account or contact their local county MDHHS office. Additional community food resources can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting the Food Bank Council of Michigan.