Navigating snap: Get help with new federal guidelines | News

Pima County is ready to help residents affected by federal changes that expand work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.

Residents can turn to the Community & Workforce Development Department (CWD) and the ARIZONA@WORK Pima County One-Stop system for employment assistance, education, job training and other supportive services.

“Pima County has extensive experience helping residents overcome barriers to employment, pursue education and job training, and connect with critical public benefits and community resources,” CWD Director Dan Sullivan said.

“Our staff and community partners are ready to help residents understand their SNAP options, connect to qualifying activities and access the services they need to move toward self-sufficiency.”

Residents concerned about how the new requirements may affect their SNAP benefits can visit the CWD website for more information or call 520-724-7700 to learn about employment and training services.

Under the new federal law, SNAP work requirements now apply to more people. The age range for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents subject to work requirements has increased from ages 18-54 to ages 18-64. Several exemptions that previously applied to veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults formerly in foster care also have been narrowed or eliminated.

People covered by the new requirements generally must participate in at least 80 hours per month of employment, job training, education or other approved work activities. If they do not, they may lose SNAP benefits after a federal time limit.

ARIZONA@WORK Pima County One-Stop centers help residents search for jobs, prepare resumes, fill out applications and provide access to computers. Residents also can get help finding education, training opportunities, and connections to other services.

The ARIZONA@WORK Pima County Kino Service Center, 2797 E. Ajo Way, is Southern Arizona’s busiest location for Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) employment services.

CWD resource navigators also serve communities throughout Pima County, including in rural and underserved areas such as Amado, Sahuarita, Green Valley, and Tucson’s east side and north side, where services may be less accessible.

CWD is working with Arizona DES to seek approval for resource navigators to become certified SNAP Assisters. If approved, resource navigators would be authorized to help residents complete SNAP applications, submit required documents, and resolve eligibility issues, providing more personalized assistance to residents seeking to establish or maintain SNAP eligibility.