Changes To SNAP Benefits Will Not Affect North Carolinians

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently made changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. But the changes will not affect North Carolinians.

The new rule deals with waivers that states can apply for in order to provide benefits to able-bodied adults without dependents. It makes the criteria to get such waivers stricter.

The reason the change doesn't affect North Carolina is because according to a 2015 law, the state does not have a waiver and is not allowed to apply for one.

Currently, there are ways for people — 18 to 49 who are able to work and without dependents — to receive SNAP benefits for a certain amount of time and under several conditions including a work requirement.

The work requirement can be met in a variety of ways including volunteering, or by participating in a federal, state, or local work program.