SNAP Time Limits: What Providers Should Know About the Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

Join National Disability Institute, the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) to learn about the time limits in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that affect individuals who are considered “Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents” (ABAWDs). These time limits were largely suspended during the recession, but starting in January 2016, the three month time limits on SNAP receipt for certain individuals who are not employed will be back in effect in at least some areas in nearly all states. It’s estimated that nearly 1 million people could lose their benefits in 2016 as a result. While individuals with disabilities are exempt from these time limits, many states only know about recipients’ disability status if they are receiving SSI or other disability benefits. Further, states should exempt caregivers of persons with disabilities but may not be aware of the caregiving role. And states have flexibility to exempt many homeless individuals, whether or not they identify a disability. Join us to learn more about the time limit, how it may affect individuals with disabilities, their caretakers, and homeless individuals, and what you can do to ensure that people are not improperly denied access to food assistance.