From the DC Fiscal Policy Institute
Aug 27
"Approximately 1,200 DC residents could lose critical Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by October because of a harmful time limit that federal lawmakers imposed on states and enrollees last year, according to data shared by the DC Department of Human Services (DHS).
"SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, serving about 1 in 4 households in the District and disproportionately serving more Black households than white households. Many DC residents face barriers to food security and rely on SNAP due to systemic and racial inequalities, including the high cost of living, wage disparities, and limited access to grocery stores East of the River. SNAP plays a vital role in reducing hunger by helping residents with low incomes afford the food they need, directly improving their health, productivity, and quality of life.
"Despite SNAP’s critical role in improving food access, federal changes enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) require DC to impose ineffective and burdensome work requirements on SNAP enrollees. Those who cannot meet these requirements are facing a strict three-month time limit on benefit receipt over a three-year period. Other states are already seeing the deep harm of the time limit, and DC will be no different. Over 19,700 District residents are subject to these new requirements, with many at immediate risk of losing SNAP and even more at risk in the months ahead."
