26,000 New Jerseyans lost SNAP food benefits since new work rules kicked in
More than 26,000 New Jersey residents have lost their monthly food benefits since the Trump administration’s federal work requirements took effect, state officials said.
The rules, passed by congressional Republicans and signed by President Donald Trump last summer, overhauled the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), requiring previously exempt states and counties to comply and expanding work requirements to additional groups, including homeless people, veterans, and older adults.
Republicans said the changes would encourage work and reduce fraud. However, a 2021 U.S. Department of Agriculture study found stricter work requirements did not increase employment or earnings but did reduce SNAP participation.
The rules took effect in most New Jersey counties in February and gave SNAP recipients ages 18 to 64 a three-month grace period. To keep benefits, recipients must prove they are consistently working, volunteering, or attending school each month.
State Department of Human Services data shows Essex and Hudson counties were hit hardest. More than 6,800 people lost benefits in Essex County and more than 3,200 in Hudson County. The figures reflect people who failed to meet work requirements or file a medical exemption in May and June.
About 800,000 New Jersey residents, including more than 340,000 children, rely on SNAP.
State officials said they are expanding volunteer opportunities, prioritizing work programs for SNAP recipients, and helping counties identify people eligible for exemptions due to disabilities or medical conditions. Cape May County and Camden City remain exempt under federal waivers because of local job availability.
@Tyler – You mean there are almost 7,000 people in Essex that are taking government assistance and don’t have a job? It must be full of JEWS!
