Work requirements for those seeking food stamp benefits are tightening following the finalizing of a new regulation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wednesday.
The regulation makes it harder for states to apply for waivers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s work requirements when it comes to able-bodied adults with no dependents.
Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, says the regulation is aimed at "restoring the system to what Congress intended," and moving more people "from welfare to work."
The regulation is estimated to impact over 680,000 people once implemented in April. According to USDA, over the course of 5 years, this regulation is anticipated to generate $5.5 billion in savings.
As of August, 36.4 million individuals receive food stamps in the U.S.
