A proposed USDA rule change could kick more than 3 million people off SNAP benefits across the country.
The federal agency said it wants to cut out what it calls a loophole where people could take advantage of SNAP benefits without needing them.
The change would raise the limit of assets a person can have and still receive SNAP benefits.
As an example, in Indiana, the limit would go from about $2,000 to $5,000. That means those that have $3,000 in savings but otherwise qualify for benefits would no longer qualify if the rule change goes into effect.
Emily Weikert Bryant, the executive director of the Indiana food bank group, says this could hurt Hoosiers who are trying to save money while on SNAP.
When we are encouraging people to save so that when they're no longer on federal benefits, they have a cushion so they can get past that first medical bill, that first car breakdown," she said. "Things that are inevitably going to happen because they happen to everyone. They were only eligible to have a very small amount of savings, which is contradictory to everything you would tell someone who is low income."
The rule isn't final yet. The public comment period ends in late September. To make voice heard, click here.
This story was originally published by Matt McKinney on WRTV in Indianapolis.
