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Health & Fitness

Corbett Backs Off Original Plan to Boot Seniors from Food Stamps

Facing opposition from the AARP and other organizations, Corbett backed off harsher plans to deny food stamps to seniors.

Faced with strong opposition from churches, the AARP and other organizations who aid seniors, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett backed off plans that would have removed thousands of seniors from the food stamp program, also known as "SNAP." A list of those who strongly opposed his changes can be found on the PDF letter attached to this article. 

Most felt the proposed cutback in benefits was punitive. For example, any senior who saved up more than $3,300 for his or her own funeral would have been ineligible for food stamps. Although the proposed legislation was changed to allow up to $9,000 in savings for seniors, strong opposition remains.

Thirty of the states that have a food stamp program do not have any such "asset test" at all. Rather, any senior who makes 160 percent (or below) of the federal poverty level (about $35,300 for a family of four) would qualify for food stamps, even if they have some savings.

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Pennsylvania did away with an asset test in 2008, when Ed Rendell was governor. Corbett's plan would not only have reinstated the former test, but done so at the same level as 2008, without any adjustment for the increase in the cost of living since then. The plan would have implemented, in Pennsylvania, the harshest limits permitted by federal law while still qualifying for the federal subsidies.

Under Corbett's new plan, 2,575 seniors are expected to lose their food stamps, and significant opposition remains. Many feel the new asset investigations will slow the system so much that deserving seniors will have to wait for weeks, or months, to obtain their food stamps. The Pennsylvania Department of Welfare says it can conduct the investigations without delay (and that they are accustomed to conducting asset tests for other programs).

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The proposed changes come at a time when studies have shown that SNAP is not only an effective program, but the most important anti-hunger program in the nation. AARP has consistently stated that hunger is a serious and widespread issue still faced by many seniors. A copy of their latest report published in August 2011 is attached to this article as a PDF file.

Even has a food pantry program, accepts food donations for seniors—and happens to be in need of food at this moment. Click here to learn how to donate to that program.

If the new plan is able to withstand opposition, it is scheduled to go into effect on May 1. 

AARP has installed a phone line for those wishing to contact the Governor's Office about this program through the AARP. It is (800) 515-8134.

The Governor's direct line is (717) 787-2500.

 

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