State to tighten food stamp requirements

Food stamp recipients may have to tighten their belts once new state work requirements take effect at the end of the month. The state sent out warning letters about the changes, which affect anyone

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2016, 8:31 AM

Updated 3,268 days ago

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Food stamp recipients may have to tighten their belts once new state work requirements take effect at the end of the month.
The state sent out warning letters about the changes, which affect anyone who is single, without children and under 50 years old.
In order to continue receiving benefits, those recipients will need to work at least 80 hours a month or take part in a job training program.
Food banks say the new rules will hit recent college grads the hardest due to student debt.
"If they're not fortunate enough to live with their parents, then it becomes very difficult for them to make ends meet," says Kate Lombardo, of the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County.
The new rules don't apply to SNAP recipients in Bridgeport or Norwalk.