USDA Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Fast-Tracked SNAP Work Requirements
A group of New York residents who rely on food stamps are taking the Trump administration to court, claiming that fast-tracked changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will unfairly strip thousands of people of their monthly benefits. The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, aims to halt the implementation of the new work requirements and give recipients more time to adjust.
The plaintiffs, who include a SNAP recipient and a nonprofit organization that helps residents navigate food benefits, argue that the changes were rushed through without proper consideration for the practicalities. They claim that allowing able-bodied individuals to lose their benefits by March is unrealistic, given the limited job opportunities in New York City.
The lawsuit points out that Congress passed a law requiring states to implement work requirements earlier than initially intended, and that this new rule does not provide sufficient time for cities like New York to prepare. The average SNAP benefit in New York totals around $209 per person each month – an amount deemed "lifelines" by advocates who argue that these benefits are essential for low-income families.
With the federal shutdown looming, the Trump administration has announced plans to stop paying all SNAP benefits as soon as it continues, unless Congress passes a new spending bill. This move would leave thousands of New Yorkers without their monthly food aid. The plaintiffs hope that the court will block this plan and grant them more time to adjust to the new rules.
The lawsuit marks the latest challenge from SNAP recipients to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul the program. As the implementation deadline approaches, advocates are growing increasingly concerned about the impact on vulnerable populations who rely on these benefits for their basic needs.
A group of New York residents who rely on food stamps are taking the Trump administration to court, claiming that fast-tracked changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will unfairly strip thousands of people of their monthly benefits. The lawsuit, filed in New York federal court, aims to halt the implementation of the new work requirements and give recipients more time to adjust.
The plaintiffs, who include a SNAP recipient and a nonprofit organization that helps residents navigate food benefits, argue that the changes were rushed through without proper consideration for the practicalities. They claim that allowing able-bodied individuals to lose their benefits by March is unrealistic, given the limited job opportunities in New York City.
The lawsuit points out that Congress passed a law requiring states to implement work requirements earlier than initially intended, and that this new rule does not provide sufficient time for cities like New York to prepare. The average SNAP benefit in New York totals around $209 per person each month – an amount deemed "lifelines" by advocates who argue that these benefits are essential for low-income families.
With the federal shutdown looming, the Trump administration has announced plans to stop paying all SNAP benefits as soon as it continues, unless Congress passes a new spending bill. This move would leave thousands of New Yorkers without their monthly food aid. The plaintiffs hope that the court will block this plan and grant them more time to adjust to the new rules.
The lawsuit marks the latest challenge from SNAP recipients to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul the program. As the implementation deadline approaches, advocates are growing increasingly concerned about the impact on vulnerable populations who rely on these benefits for their basic needs.
especially in NYC where job opportunities r super limited 
i get that they wanna cut costs, but at what cost? leaving thousands of ppl w/o food aid 4 March is just plain cruel 
i mean, we all know congress passed a law requiring states to implement work reqs earlier, but c'mon, give cities like NYC more time to prepare 
209 per month might not seem like much, but its a lifeline for low-income families 
can't we just take a deep breath and find a more humane solution? 
I'm so frustrated with this whole thing! Like, how can they just fast-track these changes without thinking about the people who actually need the food stamps? 
It's not like it's a simple matter of just "get a job" - there are tons of low-skilled jobs out there and many people struggle to find them. And what really gets me is that they're doing this right before the federal shutdown, which will already be a huge hit for so many families 
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It's not like they're asking for the moon here - just some extra time to adjust and maybe find ways to supplement their benefits. 
the usda is basically taking away food from people just because of some stupid work requirement 
what's next? they're gonna make us get a job before we can even afford rent? 
it's like, come on america! we gotta take care of each other here 
it's time for congress to step in and make some sense of this 
. Thousands of ppl are gonna lose their lifeline 
and give recipients more time to adjust 
. It's not like they're just slacking off, ppl need help with basic expenses 
. It's not just about giving people an incentive to look for jobs, but also about ensuring they have access to basic necessities like food and shelter.
. The idea that cities like NYC should somehow magically prepare in time for this implementation deadline is just not feasible 
. This lawsuit could be a crucial step in blocking this plan and giving people more time to adjust to the new rules 
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. I mean, can you imagine if they just cut off food stamps cold turkey? It's like they're not even considering the real people who are gonna be affected 
. And now they're threatening to stop paying benefits altogether unless Congress passes a new bill? Give me a break 
. We need to stand up for ourselves and make sure that these benefits aren't taken away from those who need them most 
the plaintiffs got a point, the gov't did rush through this without thinkin about how it would affect people on the ground. we gotta make sure ppl dont get left behind 
They're tryin' to strip ppl of their food stamps because they wanna make 'em work? Like, hello? Not everyone's got the chance 2 find a decent job 2 pay the bills!NYC's all about the hustle 2 survive, but this admin is just gonna push ppl 2 the edge. 
. what's next, gonna make 'em pay for healthcare too?! 
. someone needs to stand up for these people and fight for their right to food on the table 
what if those low-income fams can't find new jobs in NYC? it's not like they have a choice 
️ and now ppl are worried that they'll lose their benefits by march idk man how r u supposed 2 find a job in new york city when u can barely afford rent let alone a car 
. I mean, what if someone has a disability or health issues that make it tough to find work? Or maybe they're just starting out and don't have the time/money to pursue a new career path 