NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — An estimated 150,000 Tennesseans could lose food stamp benefits on April 1 if they don't meet work requirements.
Tennessee Department of Human Services spokeswoman Stephanie Jarnagin says the agency began sending out notices earlier this winter to people who could lose benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The program requires able-bodied adults ages 18 through 49 who have no children or other dependents at home to work, volunteer or attend education or job-training courses at least 80 hours a month. If they don't, their benefits are cut off after three months.
The work requirement was waived during the recession but the waiver ended in at least 21 states, including Tennessee, on Jan. 1. That triggered the three-month limit for recipients to comply with work requirements.