Able-bodied adults without dependents are generally required to work, train, or volunteer at least part-time to maintain eligibility for the food stamp program. However, bureaucratic manipulation of federal regulations has expanded exemptions and increased dependency.
Able-bodied adults are automatically exempt from the work requirement if they are “over” 50 years old, meaning individuals 51 years of age and older. This interpretation changed when, three days before leaving office, the Clinton administration issued regulations to change the meaning of “over,” interpreting the exemption to include all individuals “50 years of age or older.” Practically speaking, this expanded the work requirement exemption to 50-year-old able-bodied adults nationwide.
