What are Food Stamps and Am I Eligible?

What are Food Stamps?

As of October 2011, over 46 million Americans receive food stamps on a monthly basis. The average monthly benefit per person in households receiving food stamps is $134 per month according to the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service. .

This benefit is commonly known as Food Stamps, though the official program name is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It’s designed to help people with low (or no) income in purchasing food.

If you or your family has lost a job or is experiencing a period of low income, the SNAP program can help to keep food on the table until you’re able to find a steady source of income that provides enough for your family.

A lot of Americans who need help aren’t aware of the assistance that is available to them through the SNAP program. Some people feel embarrassed to ask anyone about food stamps. The purpose of this outline is to help you to determine if you are eligible to apply for food stamps and to lead qualified applicants to the right place.

Who Can Apply for Food Stamps?

Anyone can apply for food stamps. The real question is who is eligible for food stamps? Two of the biggest factors that are considered include income and household resources. The resources that are considered can include: bank accounts, cash savings, and vehicles. Households are allowed to have $2,000 within these resources; this limit increases to $3,250 if a person in the household is over 60 or disabled.

Most states (39 total) will exclude the value of all your vehicles when calculating the total value of your household resources. Be sure to check with your state to find out how they view your vehicle when determining eligibility for the SNAP program.

What Income Conditions Must Be Met to Qualify?

The U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provided the following table for determining income eligibility for food stamp applicants.

How Much Assistance Will You Get?

In order to determine how much you’ll receive in food stamps, you’ll need to figure what your net income is per month. The SNAP benefits representative at your local Social Security office will help you to find your net income. Once you have determined your net income, multiply it by .30 and you’ll have the amount your family is expected to pay towards food each month. With this figure, you can subtract it from maximum monthly allotment (see below).

If a family of 4 has a net monthly income of $1,600 they would multiply $1,600 by .30 to equal $480. The maximum monthly allotment for a family of 4 is $668, so you will subtract $480 from $668, which is $188. Your family could be eligible for $188 a month in SNAP benefits.

For a better estimate of how much you’ll receive as a benefit, use the SNAP Pre-Screening Tool

How To Apply For Food Stamps

Some states allow you to apply online, but you can always go into your local Social Security office to apply in person. The process generally requires you to complete an application, interview, as well as proof of income and expenses.

Using Your Benefits – SNAP EBT (Electronic Balance Transfer) Cards

In the past, actual food stamps were issued in the form of a paper note. Now, the benefit is provided on an EBT card, which works just like a bank debit card would. Users will have a pin number assigned and will swipe the card just like a debit or credit card.

It’s important to know that certain items cannot be purchased with your EBT card. These items include:

• Nonfood items (toiletries, oral care products, kitchen ware, and pet food)

• Alcoholic beverages

• Tobacco

• Hot food (must not be already prepared)

• Medicines and vitamins

For more information on how to apply for food stamps, you can visit the  Food and Nutrition Service website to see a list of states and links to their program homepage.

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