LITTLE ROCK (KFSM) — A waiver set in place to supply food program aid during the recession period has expired in Arkansas.
Arkansas Department of Human Services deputy director Mark White announced that several Arkansans will lose benefits from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The waiver ended December 31, 2015.
DHS communications director Amy Webb said 25,000 – 30,000 “able-bodied” adults with no dependents are among the nearly-500,000 Arkansans who receive the SNAP benefits.
She said now those adults will be limited to three months of benefits in a three-year period, as opposed to year-round.
However, “able-bodied” adults can qualify to receive more frequent benefits if the individual is working at least 20 hours per week, volunteering at least 20 hours per week at a non-profit organization or if he or she participates in a qualifying training program.
Webb said the waiver has expired because Arkansas’ unemployment rate has decreased, and some of the government funding of SNAP can be used in other areas.
