Advocate’s Checklist: Helping Transition-Age Youth Keep Their SNAP Benefits

This checklist is designed for advocates, caseworkers, mentors, and others who help transition-age youth with foster care experience and housing insecurity keep or apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as new work requirements and time limits are implemented as part of the budget reconciliation law, H.R. 1.

Many transition-age youth face food insecurity, and SNAP can be a critical resource that provides stability as they navigate the adult world of work, training, and housing. As a result of H.R. 1, many individuals, including youth leaving foster care and youth experiencing homelessness, will be expected to meet work requirements and time limits in order to receive SNAP unless they meet specific exemptions. Your support and guidance can make a critical difference for transition-age youth who need SNAP to help maintain food security.

Review the SNAP Access: Model Policies and Best Practices guide to help SNAP agencies be responsive to the unique needs of transition-age youth.