14,000 West Virginians have lost SNAP food assistance due to changes to the Big Beautiful Bill. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump a year ago, led to stricter work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
With some exceptions, recipients must work, pursue further education, or volunteer at least 80 hours per month. The law also increased the upper age limit for work requirements from 54 to 64 years.
About 2.5 million Americans lost food benefits in the six-month period following the passage of the Republican-passed law.
In West Virginia, the Department of Human Services said overdue last year that the expanded work requirements would affect 36,000 residents.
Among them is the 62-year-old Helen Comer. She began receiving SNAP benefits after quitting her job at a bank to care for her infirmed parents full-time. But earlier this year her benefits were cut to $24 a month because she is under 65 and not working.
In Episode 37, Comer learns how SNAP rules leave no room for nuance and why this is hurting beneficiaries across the country.
You will also receive a weekly summary of Daybreak Newsletter author Madison Fitzgerald. She catches you up on the latest: the death row debate in the South, the fallout following the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and the future of daylight saving time.
Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States, composed by David Singer. Special thanks to West Virginia Watch Deputy Editor Lori Kersey.
Click Here for the full transcript.
Relevant reading from state newsrooms and partners:
- 14,000 West Virginians have lost food assistance due to changes to the Big Beautiful Bill (West Virginia Watch)
- Food stamp changes will cost states billions and raise fears about the future of SNAP (state border)
- North Dakota could pay millions for high SNAP failure rate (North Dakota Monitor)
- One year after One Big Beautiful Bill Act: 98,000 fewer Pennsylvanians on SNAP (Pennsylvania Capital Star)
Do you have questions? An episode idea? Send us an email at Podcast@statesnewsroom.com
This podcast is produced by States Newsrooma nonprofit news station that includes West Virginia Watch and is a 501c(3) charity supported by grants and a coalition of donors.
