SNAP Reform Act of 2021

To strengthen the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) categorical eligibility for applicants who already receive supplemental assistance elsewhere and for those with assets high enough to not require assistance, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the SNAP Reform Act of 2021 2. Update to categorical eligibility Section 5 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014 (1) in the 2d sentence of subsection (a)— (A) by striking receives benefits (1) receives cash assistance (not less than $150 a month for an extended period) (B) by striking supplemental security with an income eligibility limit of not more than 130 percent of the poverty line as defined in section 5(c)(1), (2) is elderly or disabled and receives cash assistance or ongoing and subtantial services under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (C) by striking or aid or (4) receives aid (2) in subsection (j)— (A) by striking or who receives benefits cash assistance (not less than $150 a month for an extended period) (B) by striking to have with an income eligibility limit of not more than 130 percent of the poverty line as defined in section 5(c)(1), or who is elderly or disabled and receives cash assistance or ongoing and substantial services under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. 3. Availability of standard utility allowances based on receipt of energy assistance Section 5(k)(4) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(k)(4) (1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting without an elderly member household (2) in subparagraph (B) by inserting with an elderly member household 4. Adjustment to asset limitations Section 5(g)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(g)(1) (1) in subparagraph (A)— (A) by striking $2,000 $7,000 (B) by striking $3,000 $12,000 (2) in subparagraph (B)(i) by striking 2019 2022 5. Adjustments for inflation; updated vehicle allowance Section 5(g) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(g) (1) in paragraph (1)(B)(i)— (A) by striking (i) In general.— (i) In general (I) Beginning , and (B) by adding at the end the following: (II) Beginning on October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, the amount specified in paragraph (2)(B)(iv) shall be adjusted in the manner described in subclause (I). , and (2) in paragraph (2)— (A) by amending subparagraph (B)— (i) by amending clause (iv) to read as follows: (iv) subject to subparagraph (C), with respect to any licensed vehicle that is used for household transportation or to obtain or continue employment— (I) 1 vehicle for each licensed driver who is a member of such household; and (II) each additional vehicle; and , and (ii) in clause (v) by inserting to the extend such value exceeds $7,500 account (B) by striking subparagraph (D). 6. Savings excluded from assets Section 5(g) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(g) (1) in paragraph (1)(B)(i) by adding at the end the following: (III) Beginning on October 1, 2021, and each October 1 thereafter, the amount specified in paragraph (2)(B)(v) shall be adjusted in the manner described in subclause (I). , and (2) in paragraph (2)(B)(v) by inserting to the extent that the value exceeds $7,500 account 7. Allowance to recipients of energy assistance (a) Standard utility allowance Section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) of the of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2014(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) with an elderly member households (b) Conforming amendment Section 2605(f)(2)(A) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 8624(f)(2)(A) received by a household with an elderly member , consistent with section 5(e)(6)(C)(iv)(I) 8. Effective date (a) Effective date Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Application of amendments The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to certification periods that begin after the effective date of this Act.

Summary: SNAP Reform Act of 2021 This bill modifies eligibility under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with respect to individuals who receive other forms of assistance. Currently, households may be considered categorically eligible for SNAP if all members receive certain other assistance, such as under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The bill specifies that members receiving TANF assistance must (1) receive at least $150 a month in cash assistance under TANF for an extended period with an income of up to 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL), or (2) be elderly or disabled and receive cash assistance or ongoing and substantial services under TANF with an income of up to 200% of the FPL. The bill also increases the maximum allowable resources for SNAP eligibility and specifies that certain allowances relating to energy assistance extend only to households with elderly members.