Federal rule could cost Colorado Springs families their food stamps

The federal government has proposed a bill that experts say would cut down the number of Colorado families who qualify for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), previously known as food stamps.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering a measure that would refine regulations that currently allow recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other federally funded state-run programs, to automatically qualify for SNAP.

As of right now, the USDA says recipients of TANF can qualify for what’s called “categorical eligibility” for SNAP.

The proposal would redefine benefits for categorical eligibility to mean that a person must receive ongoing and substantial government benefits to qualify for SNAP.

State officials went into further detail. The Colorado Department of Human Services says any family that makes more than 130% of the federal poverty level, which is equivalent to $27,000/year, would probably lose their food assistance.

El Paso County officials say that’s around 10% of the population currently on food assistance. However, they say it could cause serious consequences for those families that are impacted.

USDA officials say it would “create a clearer and more consistent nationwide policy that ensures categorical eligibility is extended only to households that have sufficiently demonstrated eligibility.”

Experts say this would essentially decrease the amount of money people can make and still qualify for SNAP. That’s because some people who are currently on SNAP make too much money to qualify for subsidized employment, work supports, and childcare TANF benefits. Those people would lose their food assistance.

You have until September 23rd to voice your opinion on the proposed bill. To submit a comment to the federal government, head to regulations.gov.