Congresswoman Gwen Moore Works to Protect SNAP Benefits for Veterans, Foster Youth, and Unhoused Individuals

In 2023, the Fiscal Responsibility Act secured new exceptions to SNAP paperwork requirements specifically for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, and young adults who are leaving foster care (at age 18 or a higher age if the State offers extended foster care).

The so-called “big, beautiful bill” immediately eliminated SNAP ABAWD paperwork requirement exemptions for veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and individuals experiencing homelessness as part of nearly $200 billion in cuts to SNAP which will directly impact the ability of my constituents to be food secure. As a result, these vulnerable populations will now only receive SNAP benefits for three months in the span of three years unless they comply with paperwork requirements or qualify for another exemption. Work requirements (aka paperwork requirements) are bureaucratic barriers to assistance and do not meaningfully improve employment.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) introduced legislation to restore these exemptions and protect their SNAP/FoodShare benefits.

“Republicans made it harder for struggling Americans to access SNAP while at the same time, provided trillions in tax goodies for billionaires. While other SNAP cuts were delayed, the provision making it harder for veterans, foster youth and individuals experiencing homelessness to access SNAP went into effect immediately. I am working with my colleagues to restore these protections and to reverse the many other cruel provisions in H.R. 1 that only increase hunger in our communities,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04).

SNAP (known as Food Share in Wisconsin) helps provide nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites, including seniors, children, and families with food assistance.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.