The state estimates that at the end of March, roughly 12,000 unemployed Arkansas residents will lose their food-stamp benefits because of the imposition of work requirements on adults in the program.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that the state is sending out 12,000 notices to the first round of people expected to lose food-stamp benefits beginning April 1.
The state began enforcing the federal requirements on Jan. 1. Food-assistance benefits are limited to three months for able-bodied, childless adults from ages 18 to 49 if they aren't employed, in school or participating in a volunteer or job-training program.
The three-month limit has previously been waived in Arkansas and several other states as unemployment skyrocketed during a recession. The federal government is now imposing the requirements.
