Food-stamp recipients to come under scrutiny over personal assets

The Department of Public Welfare is set to begin asset tests for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program recipients.

Asset testing was common practice for many years. But the program was halted in 2008. Now, the state of Pennsylvania has reevaluated its stance.

Beginning on Tuesday, May 1, the Pennsylvania Public Welfare Department will again require food-stamp recipients to prove that they do not have significant personal assets, in order to qualify for assistance.

According to philly.com, the asset test is designed to prevent food stamps from going to anyone under 60 with assets like cash, stocks, and bonds worth more than $5,500. For those 60 and older, the threshold climbs to $9,000. The asset limitations do not include pension plans, retirement accounts, home values, or life insurance.