Iowa's SNAP Asset Tests: Who Will It Hurt the Most and Who Will Benefit?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. However, states have the discretion to impose additional eligibility criteria, including asset tests, which limit the amount of assets a household can have and still qualify for SNAP benefits.

Recently, Iowa reinstated asset tests for SNAP recipients, which means that households with assets above a certain threshold will no longer be eligible for benefits. This move has sparked a heated debate about its potential impact on the state's most vulnerable residents.

On one hand, supporters of the asset tests argue that they are necessary to prevent fraud and abuse of the program. They claim that some individuals who have significant assets, such as savings accounts or property, may still be able to receive SNAP benefits if they meet the income eligibility requirements. The asset tests, they argue, will ensure that only those who truly need assistance will receive it.

On the other hand, critics of the asset tests argue that they will hurt the very people the program is designed to help. They point out that many low-income households have assets that are necessary for their day-to-day survival, such as a car to get to work or savings for emergencies. Imposing asset tests could force these households to choose between selling their assets and losing their SNAP benefits or keeping their assets and going hungry.