The state of Indiana is planning to reinstate work requirements for food stamps. This action will lead to a reduction of food stamp recipients in the tens of thousands. There are currently seven other states that have work requirements as a condition of receiving food stamps. However, a federal waiver from work rules in still available for the next fiscal year.
Federal work rules have always been in place, but in times of economic strain they can be waived. The waiver was granted to almost every state during the Great Recession. Reinstating work rules will result in about 65,000 people losing this benefit.
Many states have various food charities available to step in for people who are still suffering. These charities are being outstretched due to the decision of other states to reinstate work requirements for food stamps.
The states that have decided to ignore federal food stamp waivers still have families that are struggling to find a job. Many have simply given up and are no longer counted for official statistics. This leads to a situation where there will be a decline in employment rates. Another aspect of reinstating work rules is finding a job will not be any easier by making it more difficult to fill the fridge.
There are at least two people seeking a job for every job opening that is available. However, these odds are better than the ratio of five-to-one just a few years ago. The main reason more states are reinstating work rules is a conservative mentality towards the unemployed.