Work requirements return for Hoosiers on SNAP

If you are on the government food assistance program, an important deadline is coming up that could affect your status for benefits. 

About 50,000 Indiana residents could lose food stamps if they don't meet work requirements for assistance. 

During the recession in 2009 there was a federal waiver allowing adults without dependents to skip having to work a job in order to be on the supplemental nutrition assistance program, or SNAP. 

According to the state, able bodied adults from the ages of 18 to 49 with no dependents must work an average of 20 hours per week, participate in the state approved employment or training program for 20 hours per week, or do a combination of both. 

In order to get enrolled and in compliance, you'll have to schedule an in-person assessment with the state's job program, IMPACT. 

"It's crucial they be in contact with IMPACT so that they can work with them," says SNAP outreach coordinator Tony Mayo. 

"They want to keep them from getting their benefits discontinued, so they want to make sure that they're plugging in and it's documented they're plugged into what they're supposed to be."

According to the state, this affects only about 6 percent of food stamp users locally.

If you received notification or need validation of your status, you are encouraged to visit the Family and Social Services administration or call at 800-403-0864.