PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Hundreds of Rhode Islanders could be without food on the table starting Sunday as changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility take effect.
The new requirements, which kicked in at midnight on March 1, are expected to eventually strip benefits from at least a couple thousand residents, according to United Way of Rhode Island.
CEO of United Way of Rhode Island Cortney Nicolato issued a warning Sunday afternoon regarding the shift in federal guidelines.
“We’re anticipating that this is going to affect about 2,000 Rhode Islanders,” Nicolato said. “And they may not know that.”
Ryan Medeiros reports on changes to SNAP benefits that could affect thousands of Rhode Islanders. (WJAR)
According to Nicolato, eligibility requirements have changed in two primary ways.
First, Rhode Islanders must now have held lawful permanent resident status for at least five years to qualify for food assistance.
“A person who may have an immigrant status that is considered undocumented, or is different than what they call a lawful citizen, may not have access or eligibility anymore,” Nicolato said.
Additionally, the age range for residents classified as “able-bodied adults without dependents” has been expanded.
Residents up to age 64 now fall under this classification, meaning those between 55 and 64 face work requirements to remain eligible that did not exist previously.
Under these federal guidelines, the clock has started for these individuals to find employment. Without meeting the work requirement, they will only be eligible to receive SNAP benefits for three more months.
“When a Rhode Islander loses their SNAP benefits, they then have to make really difficult decisions,” Nicolato said. “Like, do I continue to take my medication? Like, do I eat three squares or even one square meal a day?”
Nicolato added that the ramifications extend beyond adults, noting that approximately 11,000 children could be affected by the loss of household benefits.
“I’m really concerned about the kids,” Nicolato said. “These are children that deserve three square meals a day, and our system is unfortunately not giving that.”
Residents who are unsure how they will be impacted or who have questions regarding next steps are encouraged to use the following resources:
United Way of Rhode Island: Call 2-1-1Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS): Visit the official DHS website.
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