[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

Of course its a poor management issue. I have a whopping $400 per month allotted in my budget to feed my family of 4, and that includes going out. Going to Costco and spending $200 will net 2+ months worth of staple food. Food stamps worth $300 a month is extremely generous, however, I get the sense that these folks are pissing it all away on Ho-Ho's and Cocoa Puffs, so of course it will never be enough.

[fight_truth_decay]

What are the food stamp work requirements and who must comply with them? (State of Maine)

Even if your income and assets are low enough to be eligible, you may have to register for work to get food stamps. You may also have to participate in an education and training program. You may also be penalized if you quit a job or refuse to take a job that the food stamp office finds for you.

You are not required to meet these requirements if:

Ø you live in an area with high unemployment (DHS decides which areas these are);

Ø you are under 16, or are 16 or 17 and not the head of a household;

Ø you are 60 or over;

Ø you have a physical or mental problem that makes you unable to work;

Ø you are caring for a child under 6;

Ø you are caring for a child 6 or over or an adult who needs help taking care of him or herself;

Ø you are already working 30 hours a week or are earning at least $154.50 (gross) per week;

Ø you are a migrant or seasonal farmworker and will begin work in 30 days;

Ø you are getting unemployment compensation or TANF; or

Ø you are a student enrolled at least half time in any school, training program or college and otherwise qualify for food stamps.


In addition, you do not have to take a job if it pays less than the minimum wage; subjects you to health or safety problems; you can’t get there because of transportation problems; there is a strike or lockout at the job; you would be required to join or quit a union; or the work violates your religious beliefs. You also do not have to take a job that is not the kind of work you have done before, if you have been registered for work with the program for less than 31 days.