Work Requirements Re-Instated For Some OK SNAP Recipients

More changes are in store for some Oklahomans receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as "food stamps") benefits through the Department of Human Services.

As a result of state legislation (HB 1909) enacted this year, work requirements have been re-instated for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). Those individual adults must work at least 20 hours a week to remain eligible for the program. ABAWD individuals who are employed less than 20 hours a week can receive no more than three months of benefits. The requirements go into effect October 1, 2013.

During the height of the recession when jobs were hard to find, the federal government allowed states to waive work requirements for able-bodied adults. That waiver expires September 30.