DCF rolls back food stamp work search requirements

After public backlash, the Florida Department of Children and Families announced Monday they will again suspend the work search requirement as a prerequisite for food-stamp recipients through at least the end of August.

“This flexibility is intended to support individuals and families during this transitional period, while also providing them with the resources they need to pursue job opportunities and eventually attain … economic independence,” DCF said in a statement.

Florida officials had quietly begun reinstating the work search requirements for Floridians seeking food stamps in the beginning of July despite the state’s struggling economy, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Less than 24 hours after the Orlando Sentinel’s publication, DCF announced it was reversing that decision.

The Department of Children and Families reported the extension will last through Aug 31. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, however, tweeted the waiver will last through Sept. 5.

The statement from DCF said Gov. Ron DeSantis will coordinate with the department to reevaluate the work requirements in the coming months.

“Governor Ron DeSantis wants Floridians, especially parents, to focus on making the best decision for their families in the coming weeks,” DCF wrote in a statement tweeted by Orlando Rep. Anna Eskamani.

The original decision to waive the work search requirement for food stamp recipients came as the COVID-19 pandemic began to grip the Sunshine State, ultimately forcing the U.S. economy to a halt.

Prior to the waiver, an “able bodied adult without dependents” needed to work at least 80 hours a month or participate in a work program at least 80 hours a month, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If not, applicants were limited to three months of food stamps in every three-year period.

Eskamani urged others on Twitter to “keep the pressure on” and alleged that the reversal happened because of “public backlash.”

Last week, the state received more than 120,000 new unemployment claims, according to Florida Department of Economic Opportunity data.

In total, roughly 3.18 million Floridians have filed for unemployment since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March.