Able-bodied adults on welfare in some parts of Michigan will have to work to keep food assistance beginning in January. The state says that’s because Kalamazioo, Allegan, Barry, and seven other counties no longer qualify for a federal waiver.
Non-disabled adults from 18 to 49 without dependents will have to work at least 20 hours a week, or be in a job training program, to keep Food Stamps. Michigan Department of Health & Human Services spokesman Bob Wheaton says the change may be challenging for some people at first. But he says there plenty of job opportunities in the state now.
“The reason this has occurred is because of improvements in the economy. The job market in Michigan is better so people can find jobs to meet these requirements. We have efforts in place working with our partners, such as Michigan Works agencies, to provide job-training and to prepare people to be able to meet these new work requirements.”
Wheaton says the change will be good for the state in the long-run.
“We’re always looking to try to help people ultimately become self-sufficient and realize their dreams and find good jobs and...help them get to that point so hopefully this will be a step in that process for a lot of people.”
About 16,000 people will be affected by the change statewide. But some can continue to get food assistance for up to three months without meeting work requirements. Work requirements for all Michigan residents on welfare could be restored by October next year.
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