How SNAP Benefit Reductions Could Deepen Hardship for Connecticut’s ABI Waiver Community

In recent months, discussions around reductions to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits have raised serious concerns nationwide. But for certain populations, particularly individuals living with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in Connecticut who rely on the ABI Waiver for daily support, the stakes are particularly high.

While SNAP changes may seem like a broader economic policy issue, their ripple effects reach deep into the lives of those already navigating complex health and support needs. Today, we break down why these potential cuts matter, and what they could mean for the ABI Waiver community here in Connecticut.

Why Food Security Matters for ABI Waiver Participants

The ABI Waiver program supports individuals with brain injury who require ongoing assistance with independent living, daily routines, social engagement, behavior regulation, and health-related needs. Many participants live on fixed incomes and depend on a patchwork of benefits, including SSDI, SSI, and SNAP, to maintain stability.

A reduction in SNAP benefits may be more than just a tightening of a monthly food budget; it can jeopardize basic survival, worsen health outcomes, and create cascading challenges for individuals who already face significant barriers.

1. Nutrition & Brain Health Are Closely Linked

Proper nutrition plays an essential role in brain health and recovery. For individuals living with ABI, regular access to balanced meals isn’t just about avoiding hunger; it's part of managing cognitive function, emotional regulation, energy levels, and overall physical well-being.

SNAP benefit reductions often force families and individuals to choose cheaper, less nutritious foods. This can worsen:

• Cognitive symptoms like fatigue and memory problems

• Mood instability and irritability

• Weight management and metabolic health issues

• Recovery from injury and stress adaptation

For ABI Waiver participants, who may already struggle with food preparation, planning, and health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, decreased nutritional access can have a disproportionate impact.

2. Reductions Increase Financial Instability for Caregivers and Providers

Many ABI Waiver participants rely on caregivers, paid and unpaid, to help with meals, transportation, hygiene, and community involvement. When SNAP benefits decrease, families and caregivers may have to cover unexpected costs out of pocket, reducing financial flexibility and increasing stress.

Community support agencies also face indirect impacts when clients’ basic needs are unmet. Providers may find themselves responding to increased crises related to health, nutrition, and behavioral stability, placing added strain on an already underfunded system.

3. Reduced Food Benefits = More Medical Spending

Lack of access to nutritious food can exacerbate chronic conditions such as:

• Gastrointestinal issues

• High blood pressure

• Type 2 diabetes

• Immune system dysfunction

These conditions are more common in individuals with ABI and can lead to more frequent medical visits, emergency care, or hospitalizations, all of which increase healthcare costs for individuals, families, and the State.

4. SNAP Cuts Threaten Independence Goals

The ABI Waiver strives to support community integration and independence. Food insecurity, however, creates barriers to:

• Participating in community programs

• Maintaining stable housing

• Engaging in vocational or recreational opportunities

• Sustaining social relationships

When basic needs like food are not reliably met, every other area of life becomes harder.

5. This Issue Reflects Larger Gaps in ABI Support Systems

The potential impact of SNAP reductions also highlights broader challenges faced by the ABI Waiver community:

• Stagnant provider rates that fail to keep pace with real cost increases

• Insufficient funding for meaningful community and life skills supports

• Lack of robust pathways for long-term stability (housing, employment, health care)

• Policy frameworks that do not center the lived experience of people with ABI

Food insecurity isn’t an isolated issue; it’s tied to gaps in the infrastructure meant to support people with complex and ongoing needs.

What Can We Do?

Ensuring that individuals with brain injury remain healthy and supported requires more than medical care; it requires policy awareness, advocacy, and systems that reflect human need.

Here are actions community members can take:

✔ Stay informed about SNAP policy changes and proposed budget shifts
✔ Support local food security initiatives and outreach programs
✔ Advocate for ABI Waiver improvements at the state level
✔ Share stories of real impact to elevate visibility
✔ Engage legislators on the importance of maintaining essential benefits

Final Thoughts

Reductions to SNAP benefits may seem like “budget adjustments,” but for people on the ABI Waiver in Connecticut, they represent very real risks: increased health problems, financial strain, nutritional instability, and diminished quality of life.

As we work to build a brain injury support system that is equitable, comprehensive, and person-centered, understanding these intersections between basic needs and formal supports is critical.

Let’s continue the conversation and push for policy solutions that protect the health and dignity of all members of our community.

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