New Jersey Senate Bill S1083

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/22
• Refer: 1/31/22

Caption

Requires DHS to take appropriate action to exempt veterans from benefits time limit applicable to able-bodied adults without dependents under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Impact

The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Human Services submit a request for a federal waiver to exempt ABAWD veterans from the time limit. If denied, the state can utilize a 15% exemption authority to grant individual exemptions for these veterans. Within 180 days of enactment, the commissioner must assess all ABAWD veterans to determine if they are physically or mentally unfit for work, providing necessary referrals for further assistance. This legislative move intends to ensure that veterans can access the food assistance they need without the added stress of meeting stringent work requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill S1083 aims to amend the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by exempting veterans categorized as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) from the three-month benefits time limit. The bill is sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale and addresses the unique challenges faced by veterans in securing stable employment. It recognizes that many veterans encounter high unemployment rates, which significantly impacts their ability to access essential food assistance. As of recent reports, the unemployment rate among New Jersey veterans remains around 11%, nearly double that of the national average.

Contention

Critics of the bill may voice concerns regarding the implications of broad exemptions on state resources or the perceived leniency toward ABAWDs. However, supporters argue that failing to support veterans, who disproportionately suffer from unemployment due to unique post-service challenges, would be a disservice to those who have served the nation. The legislative discussion around this bill points toward a significant societal obligation to ensure that veterans do not face food insecurity while struggling to reintegrate into civilian life.