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Board hears state cost estimate tied to SNAP ABAWD screening under 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Summary
Donna Groome briefed the board on changes affecting ABAWD (able-bodied adults without dependents) SNAP eligibility under the so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill.' The state will temporarily cover a 25% cost share for SNAP for one year (noted in the minutes as $71 million to the State of New Jersey); future county obligations were flagged as likely.
Donna Groome provided an update on how the "Big Beautiful Bill" will affect eligibility screening for ABAWDs (able-bodied adults without dependents) receiving SNAP. According to the meeting minutes, workers conducting eligibility screening will ask consumers whether they have a barrier to work and may observe visible conditions such as difficulty focusing as part of the interview; exemptions can be granted for three months and then must be supported by a provider's letter. The minutes state that any practitioner or provider of service can write the note exempting the consumer.
The minutes identify a one-year state commitment to pick up a 25% federal cost share tied to the change, and list an estimated cost to the State of New Jersey of $71 million; the minutes say New Jersey is only picking up that percentage for one year and that Cape May County may have to assume its share in the future. The board did not take a formal vote on this item; the information was provided as a program/policy update.
