SNAP benefits

The upper age limit for SNAP recipients (able bodied, without dependents) who have to prove they’re working or looking for work at least part time has just risen from age 49 to age 50. Eventually it'll go up to age 54.

Now, agencies and Congress need to figure out how to implement the thing.

Some Congressional Republicans want older Americans to prove that they work or are looking for work to get those benefits.

Millions of people have had their benefits cut by at least $95 a month, at a time when food prices are up almost 10%.

Here's why it took a pandemic to make it happen, and why the practice is probably here to stay.

Congress will be debating food aid programs covered by the bill, just as pandemic-era funding increases for food aid expire while grocery costs remain high.

What does the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program do well to stave off food insecurity, and where is more help still needed?

SNAP increases went into effect in October. Inflation has grown a lot since then.

The program is also shown to benefit local businesses.

SNAP and other safety-net programs buoyed many households, though the pandemic made it harder for families with kids, especially, to access help.