Could Trump’s Executive Order Affect Georgia Food Stamp Recipients?
Georgia has had work requirements for what it calls “able-bodied adults without dependents” to get food stamps since 2016.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week asking federal agencies to strengthen work requirements for people on welfare programs, like food stamps. Georgia might already have that covered.
The state has had work requirements for what it calls “able-bodied adults without dependents” to get food stamps since 2016. Those include at least 80 hours a month spent working or in job training, or in a state workfare program. There is a three-month grace period per three years.
Walter Jones is with the state division of family and children services. He said Georgia’s leadership has been in support of work requirements.
“We philosophically are in favor of work, and we have found ways to help our benefit recipients satisfy that requirement.”
The requirement was delayed until after the recession, Jones said.
The state has been phasing it in, county by county. Currently, 66 of Georgia’s 159 counties are included; next year, all of them will be.
It’s still unclear whether any changes will affect Georgia’s program.
“We’re waiting to hear from the federal agencies that we work with what their interpretation is and how they intend to respond to the president’s order,” Jones said.
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