LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A work mandate for some SNAP recipients took effect May 1. Several groups who were previously exempt — including older adults, people experiencing homelessness and veterans — may now have to meet the requirement.
The new rules require a wider age range to show 20 hours of work activity per week or risk losing benefits.
MORE ON FOX5: Thousands of Nevadans lose SNAP benefits from new federal mandates
Erika Drake, a senior attorney with the Veterans Law Project, said the new rules could hit veterans hard.
“My concern for veterans in Las Vegas is significant when it comes to those veterans who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness,” Drake said.
She said the way the regulation is drafted means only 100 percent disabled veterans would be exempt.
“The fact that the way the regulation is drafted, the only veterans who would be exempt would be 100 percent disabled veterans, is pretty startling,” Drake said.
Nevada Health and Human Services said people are coming to them with concerns.
“We are having those conversations probably every day, to be honest with you,” said Kelly Cantrelle, deputy administrator at Nevada Health and Human Services.
The agency said people who are required to comply should track their hours and submit proof they’re meeting the standard — or provide documentation of a qualifying disability.
Approved work activities include self-employment and volunteer hours, Cantrelle said. Hours can be worked day or night, as long as they total 20 per week.
Purple Heart veteran Vincent Palmieri said he understands the push to cut costs but is still aware that homeless veterans may not get help because of their situations.
“Las Vegas, Southern Nevada has the largest homeless population of veterans,” Palmieri said. “And the challenge for them right now is going to be for them to qualify. They have unstable addresses. Missed mail notices. No transportation.”
Nevada Legal Services created a SNAP task force last summer to help spread the word. The organization urges veterans who lose benefits — or think they’re at risk — to file right away and provide proof of filing to DSS.
Nevada Legal Services also reminds veterans that if they get help filing, it must be through a VA-accredited person.
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