SNAP Benefits Cliff: When More Money Can Leave Families Worse Off
Summary
Some working families who receive SNAP food benefits can lose more in assistance than they earn if their income goes just above the limit. This situation, called a "benefits cliff," makes families worse off financially when they get a small raise or extra work hours. For example, a Nebraska mother lost $150 monthly in SNAP benefits after earning just $19 above the cutoff.Key Facts
- SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income households buy food using monthly prepaid benefits.
- More than 35 million people across the U.S. receive SNAP benefits.
- A "benefits cliff" happens when a small increase in income causes a larger loss in government aid.
- Families may hesitate to accept raises or extra work hours because they might lose more in benefits.
- Alicia Freemont, a Nebraska mother, lost $150 in SNAP benefits after making $19 more than the income limit.
- After losing benefits, Alicia worked extra shifts but still struggled financially and later faced medical issues.
- Researchers say small income increases often do not keep up with the rising cost of living.
- The Department of Health and Human Services defines a benefits cliff as when benefit loss equals or exceeds income gain.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
