SNAP Changes Coming in June Due to the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

The PHE ended on May 11, 2023, and because of that, several Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waivers will end in June of 2023. This means changes for some families and individuals participating in Nebraska SNAP. See below for the main changes:

Time Limit for Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)

Generally, if you are 18–49 years old, able to work, and don’t have any dependents, you are limited to 3 months of SNAP benefits in a 3 year time span – if you cannot show you are employed or in a work or training program for at least 20 hours a week. During the COVID-19 PHE, waivers allowed states to not enforce these time limits. On July 1, 2023, those time limits and requirements will return. 

How could that impact you if you’re subject to the requirements? Countable months for people subject to the time limit are required to reset to zero on July 1. Check your eligibility for exemptions from the work requirements here.

College Students

The PHE allowed college students attending school at least half-time, who also participated in work study or had an expected family contribution on $0 on their FAFSA, to access SNAP. With the end of the PHE, states will return to normal eligibility for college students on June 10, 2023

This doesn’t mean students will immediately be cut off of benefits. However, applications and recertifications by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will return to normal on June 10 and anyone who applied or is recertified before that date remains eligible under the PHE rules until their next recertification. Check your eligibility for SNAP as a student here.

SNAP remains our most effective and efficient tool to combat hunger in Nebraska. 

Visit our SNAP webpage for more information. If you need help applying or want to see if you qualify, call the Food Bank’s SNAP Hotline at 855-444-5556 or visit the ACCESSNebraska portal for the online application.

Find more information about the end of the PHE and SNAP on the Nebraska SNAP DHHS website.

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