Formerly known as Food Stamp, SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. Unlike other government assistance programs offered in the United States, this one usually helps individuals from low-income families to purchase food items from any of the participating stores. With these benefits in place, all eligible individuals can now have more food buying power added to their current household’s income. To know more about SNAP, SNAP benefits, eligibility, how to apply and other related topics, follow us closely.
Eligibility Requirements For Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits
You can now be eligible for this program if at all you meet the basic income criteria and other requirements. To receive SNAP benefits, here are the requirements that you should ensure to meet before applying for the program:
- You must be a citizen of the United States
- If you are able-bodied person between the age 18 and 49 and is able to work but is yet to be employed. However, this requirements come with some exceptions.
- Your household does not have more than $2250 in both cash and bank account assets. However, if there is a member of the household who is 60 years and above, his or her household should not have more than $3500 in form of resources.
- If you have a low-income that stands at or is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of your state. However, the income levels here will depend on the size of your household.
- In case you are a low-income student.
Required Documents For Applying SNAP
Some of the documents that you will be required to submit when applying for SNAP program include:
- An official document that can help proof your identity. Some god examples include; a government-issued ID, military ID, birth certificate, passport or school ID.
- An official document that shows where you live or has a proof of residence. Some good examples include your current rent or lease receipt, your voter registration card, a letter from your current landlord or mortgage records
- A document that shows that you are a resident of the US. For instance, a copy of your birth certificate, employment authorization card, green card or a U.S passport can work magic for you.
- An eligibility document, which can be a document that shows that you receive a low income. Some good examples of these documents include your bank statements, a paycheck stub, and benefit award letter from the Social Security Administration or your state, a letter from your current employer showing your income levels, child support award letters, among others.
- An official document that shows household expenses. Some good examples of these documents include copies of rental receipts, mortgage statements, proof of homeowner’s insurance, copies of basic utility bills and so forth.
- In case you are disabled, you must present a proof of the same. Here, a documentation of diagnosis, medical records or a letter from your physician can help prove that fact.
- If you are a student, consider submitting a proof of school attendance. A good example is a document that shows your course registration confirmation or school schedule.
Apply Procedure For SNAP Facility
To apply for the SNAP facility, you should consider visiting https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory first. Here, you will be able to find the contacts of your local and state offices. In addition, you will know where they are located. However, to establish these details, you need to click the state that you live in.
Depending on your state, you can consider reaching on the number you will find on your screen or better still, visit the local office near you. If you want to enjoy more convenience, you can consider applying for this program online. As you make your application, ensure that you have all documents we have mentioned above and you will be good to go. These include the personal documents and those that can help prove that you are eligible for the SNAP program.
Benefits of Enrolling in The SNAP Program
By enrolling in the SNAP program, you stand to enjoy several benefits. These include:
- You can get a free tablet
- Allows you to purchase food more affordably
- Helps improve your food security
- Get EBT card.
Use & Access Cash And SNAP Benefits
As long as you have the EBT card, you will be able to access your SNAP benefits with utmost precision. Here, you will need to visit any of the participating retail store with your card, shop for the eligible items, and then swipe the card at the checkout.
Remember that you will need to key in the PIN for the funds to be deducted from the card. Once you are done, check the receipt and ensure that the amount indicated there, matches the amount deducted on your card. Thereafter, you can leave the retail store and go home.
FAQ
How Much SNAP Benefit Can I Get Per Month?
Well, this will depend on a number of factors. For instance, if your family has 4 members, the maximum amount you can expect to receive $835. However, in Alaska this can go up from $1074 to $1667.
What do I do if I am no longer in need of SNAP benefits and want to close my SNAP case?
All you need to do is to reach out to the local Department of Social services and you will be good to go.
What do I do if my financial circumstances change?
In case this happens, consider visiting https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/3151.pdf and then read the reporting rules that apply. Better still, consider reaching out to the nearest Department of Social Services for more guidance. Lastly, you can dial 1-800-342-3009. In case you live in New York City, contact 311 or 1-877-472-8411.
What is the time limit to Get SNAP benefits after application?
If your application meets the eligibility requirements, you can now start enjoying SNAP benefits within a period of 30 days from the date that you applied for this program.
What can I purchase with SNAP?
Some of the items that you can purchase using SNAP benefits include meat, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, bread and cereals, dairy products, seeds and plans that help produce food for your family, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
What can’t I purchase with SNAP?
SNAP limits healthy food and beverages only. Anything unhealthy is not allowed with SNAP. Some of the items that you cannot purchase with SNAP include beer, cigarettes, liquor, tobacco, supplements, medicines, vitamins, foods that are hot at their various points of sale, among others.
What is EBT card?
Simply put, this is a card that allows you to enjoy the SNAP benefits from various participating retail stores. Therefore, as far as you have received your SNAP benefits, you will be able to use the benefits to shop for eligible items and save more bucks at those stores.
