See How to Apply for the Food Stamps Program

No matter how hard you try to keep everything together, an unforeseen financial situation can put you so far in the gutter that even food is difficult to afford. And if that happens you'll want to know about Food Stamps.

The Food Stamps Program is now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and is operated by the federal government.

The purpose of the program is to provide nutritional support for low-income families, senior citizens, and other people with disabilities living on fixed incomes. Up next we will give you the details on how to apply. 

What Is the SNAP Program?

Funding this food aid program is the responsibility of the federal government. The administering of the program is done by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

The FNS is an agency of the federal Department of Agriculture (USDA).  The actual distribution of the benefits is administered by the different states who also contribute to the distributing costs.

What Can Be Purchased With SNAP Benefits?

SNAP pays a monthly amount to eligible families enabling them to shop for food.

The products that can be purchased include fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, meat, loaves of bread, cereals, dairy products, ingredients to prepare food, and non-alcoholic beverages.

It is also good to know what households cannot buy with SNAP money. Alcoholic beverages, vitamins, supplements, tobacco products, prepared food to consume immediately and any non-food item cannot be bought.

How Much do Eligible Households Receive from SNAP?

The benefit formula assumes that families spend 30% of their income on food. SNAP then ensures that a family’s 30% is enough to afford food in accordance with the Thrifty Food Plan.

A family with no income receives the full benefit amount, which equals the amount needed to buy food as described in the Thrifty Food Plan.

Eligibility for SNAP

SNAP is designed to assist households with low income. The eligibility rules are set at the federal level and are uniform in all the states. States, however, have the flexibility to change certain program aspects.

Who Does Not Qualify to Apply?

Before looking at what criteria you need to meet to qualify for SNAP benefits, let’s look at the categories of individuals who aren’t eligible for any benefits no matter how low their income.

These categories include strikers, most college students, and undocumented immigrants. Unemployed childless adults are limited to a few months’ benefits unless they're working for at least 20 hours per week or participate in a registered job training program.

Who Does Qualify for Application?

For a family to be eligible for SNAP benefits there are three basic criteria to comply with.

Firstly a three-person family’s gross monthly income cannot be more than 130% of the federal poverty level. In the 2019 fiscal year, this was $2,252 a month. Households with an elderly or disabled member needn't meet this limit.

The second criterion is that the family’s monthly income that's used for items like housing and child care, must be below the poverty line. In 2019 this was an amount of $1,732 a month for a three-person family.

The third criterion is that assets owned by the family must be below certain limits. For households without an elderly or disabled member, the limit is $2,250 and $3,500 for those with an elderly or disabled member.

How Do You Apply for SNAP?

Although the federal government has set certain guidelines each state designs its application process. In most states, households apply personally at the local SNAP office. 

Fortunately, in most states, you can apply online. When applying online use the Family Assistance (FA) online application form.

Generally, applicants need to participate in an eligibility interview. If applying online this interview is often done on the phone.

Documents like proof of identity, residency, household composition, income, and deductible expenses might also be required. These documents can be attached to your online application.

You'll be notified within 30 days of the eligibility decision. Households found to be eligible will receive an electronic benefit transfer card, which is loaded with benefits once a month.

The cardholder uses it to get food at any of the 263,000 authorized retailers across the country.

Conclusion

The above information should give you a pretty clear idea of whether or not you are eligible for SNAP. If you feel you have special circumstances, you can always visit your local SNAP office and speak to an official there.