As of Monday, Michigan’s new work requirements for able-bodied food stamp recipients take effect.
Officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services say the change will only affect about 67-thousand food stamp recipients.
There are over one million recipients statewide.
Bob Wheaton with MDHHS said after an annual meeting on their case, recipients will have three months to find employment.
“The employment requirement is working an average of 20 hours per week per month.”
People newly on food assistance will also have a three-month window to find employment.
Wheaton says people could also participate in an employment and training program or volunteer at a non-profit to meet the employment requirement.
The requirement only impacts “able-bodied” people without dependents on food assistance and includes exemptions, including for pregnant women.