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USDA proposes rule for SNAP “loophole”

The USDA has proposed a regulation to close what it calls a loophole in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Critics say it will remove SNAP benefits of more than three-Million people who need them while Ag Secretary Perdue says it will strengthen the SNAP program, “By reforming what’s called broad-based categorical eligibility, this loophole allows our states to take participants receiving TANF benefits, the program run by HHS that provides cash and other benefits to individuals, and make them automatically eligible to participate in SNAP.”

Acting Deputy Under Secretary Brandon Lipps says removing the loophole would even out eligibility in all states, “So you have people throughout this country being treated differently with regard to what state they’re in about whether they’re subject to 130% income tests or higher income tests in other states. This rule makes sure that’s consistent across the state agencies that run the SNAP program.” Lipps says it’s within the Secretary’s discretion granted him by Congress to make the changes.

But, Senate Ag Committee Ranking member Debbie Stabenow of Michigan says Congress has repeatedly rejected those SNAP changes and says the rule would “take food away from families, prevent children from getting school meals and make it harder for states to administer food assistance.”

The proposed rule is open for 60 days of public comment.