temporarily increase SNAP benefits for working SNAP recipients

 

The purpose of this bill is to prevent the abrupt loss of food assistance when a household's income slightly exceeds the

maximum allowable gross income limit under federal SNAP eligibility rules. This will ensure that citizens will not

experience the benefits cliff. With this bill, a person or family that has previously used benefits may earn up to 30%

more than the maximum allowed income and still maintain full benefits for 6 months; after that, they can receive 50% of

the benefits for another 6 months.

 

A survey done by Greater Twin Cities United Way found that 99% of Minnesotans experienced a loss of a benefit due to a

small pay raise, and 53% lost multiple benefits. This bill aims to have all Minnesotans achieve financial security and

independence. By allowing income levels to increase and still maintaining food assistance, families are able to focus on

career growth with the ultimate goal of security and the ability to live with less state assistance.

 

SNAP: (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides food-purchasing assistance to low- and no-income individuals

and families to help them get the right amount of food needed.

Gross Income: The total amount of income received from all sources before any taxes or deductions are taken out.

Benefits Cliff: when a small increase in a person's earnings causes them to lose public assistance benefits

 

For funding, the government will draw money from the Human Services Contingency Reserve as a pilot program. This would

cost roughly 3-5 million dollars.

 

No penalties or enforcement are needed.

 

This bill will go into effect on June 1st, 2026