Bill Overview
Title: Feed Hungry Veterans Act of 2022
Description: This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for certain disabled veterans, including those determined to be catastrophically disabled.
Sponsors: Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
Target Audience
Population: Disabled veterans impacted by expansion of SNAP
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill specifically targets disabled veterans.
- SNAP eligibility is being expanded, which implies that previously ineligible veterans will now receive benefits.
- The term 'catastrophically disabled' suggests a significant and specific subset of disabled veterans.
Reasoning
- The policy is specifically aimed at aiding disabled veterans who meet certain criteria. The distribution of veterans is widespread across the U.S., including urban and rural areas, with varying degrees of need.
- The budget constraints suggest that not all eligible veterans might be served at the same time or with the same resources, perhaps necessitating prioritization by need severity or application order.
- Given the target population and budget, a key focus is the 'catastrophically disabled' veterans, who form a more specific sub-group within the general population of disabled veterans.
- Assuming an average SNAP benefit increment approximates $250 per person monthly, the first year could directly aid about 50,000 veterans, which aligns with the target estimate.
- The population includes those with urban and rural addresses, different access to social programs, varying financial literacy levels, and alternative support systems, which will affect their wellbeing scores.
Simulated Interviews
Retired, former military mechanic (Houston, TX)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is a crucial aid, but it took long enough to arrive.
- This will help me get better food without relying solely on my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Unemployed, former communications officer (Rural Kansas)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been hard finding ways to live decently; anything helps.
- I hope it covers healthy food options, not just the basics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Part-time bookkeeper (San Diego, CA)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This extra help means I can allocate more to my medical expenses.
- Hoping this permanently stays as a veteran benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Full-time caregiver (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy contributes significantly to our grocery budget.
- My stress about providing for my kids can ease a bit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Freelancer, graphic designer (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The expansion is a good move, especially since I'm trying to reintegrate.
- I'm cautious about how long this support will last.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 73 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen many policies come and go, but any support is welcome.
- Medical expenses are my biggest concern; any saving helps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Community volunteer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thankful for the recognition that more needs to be done.
- One step closer to honest support for veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired, living in assisted facility (Boston, MA)
Age: 80 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Appreciative but worried it's too late for many.
- Assisted living costs are unpredictable; support is uncertain.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Unemployed, seeking work (New York, NY)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard to trust new policies when you're falling between the cracks.
- I need housing first; food helps but it's only part of the puzzle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Part-time librarian (Austin, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I can breathe easier knowing food isn't a constant worry.
- Saving here means more support for my child's education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $152000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $155040000 (Low: $132600000, High: $183600000)
Year 3: $158140800 (Low: $135252000, High: $187272000)
Year 5: $164566432 (Low: $140458080, High: $194890880)
Year 10: $181979075 (Low: $155313888, High: $215337601)
Year 100: $400449637 (Low: $341662191, High: $474360911)
Key Considerations
- The definition of 'catastrophically disabled' by the Department of Veterans Affairs will significantly influence cost estimates.
- The exact number of veterans transitioning from ineligible to eligible for SNAP is crucial in cost determination.
- Changes in administrative policies or efficiencies could alter the cost impacts.