Michigan is Tightening the Rules for Food Assistance

According to WILX-TV 10, some people who qualify for food stamps in Michigan will have to work to eat starting today.

State Health Department officials said able-bodied adults 18 to 49-year-olds without dependents will have to work at least 20 hours a week or lose their benefits.  This requirement will now apply to every county in the state.

Exemptions include being disabled, pregnant, a victim of domestic violence, or physically or mentally unable to work the required amount.

The federal government waived the work requirements in 2002 during high unemployment times in the state.  Now that waiver is going away for people receiving food assistance benefits.