How SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Works

Understanding SNAP Benefits Is Easier Than You Think

(UnitedVoice.com) – When you’re living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to pay for the basics, a little bit of assistance goes a long way. However, qualifying for food stamps or other public assistance benefits is an intimidating process. If you need help buying nutritious, fresh groceries for you and your family, you might be able to get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

What is SNAP?

SNAP used to be known as the Food Stamp Program, commonly called “food stamps.” SNAP exists to combat hunger in the United States. Over 40 million people rely on this program to access nutritious food. Along with other agricultural and food programs, SNAP has been around in some form for over 75 years. People with disabilities, individuals with fixed incomes (often retired people), and families struggling on low wages are typical recipients of SNAP benefits.

After the unemployment program, SNAP is considered the most critical, responsible program. If you think you are in need of assistance with food, you might be eligible.

Are You Eligible for SNAP?

To qualify for SNAP, your family must be in need and your gross monthly income must fall under 130 percent of the poverty line. Like many federal programs, SNAP is actually administered by individual states. If you qualify, you’ll get an Electronic Transfer Debit (ETD) card, which works like a regular bank debit card. When the money is loaded onto the card, you’ll be able to use it to purchase eligible groceries.

Eligible participants receive these benefits monthly via ETD reload. In addition to the grocery items needing to fall under SNAP guidelines, the retailer must as well. However, most grocery and convenience stores accept SNAP benefits and ETD cards.

Specific SNAP Qualifications

At a glance, you can determine whether you may be eligible for SNAP using the following criteria. You should apply through official channels, by way of your state’s access website or social worker, to determine actual eligibility. You will need to bring identification and a substantial amount of paperwork relating to proof of income.

SNAP qualification requires three main criteria are met:

Your gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line. This number changes per year, so make sure to get accurate data for the current year.
Your net monthly income after deductions must fall under a certain qualifying amount, which can change but hovers around $1700 monthly.
You must possess $2500 or less in assets if your family does not include elderly or disabled members. If you do have a family member falling into those categories, $3,750 is the number.

What Paperwork Do You Need for SNAP?

You must produce the following documents to apply for SNAP benefits:

Proof of citizenship: SNAP is only available to US citizens and those legally eligible to stay in the US. You can use green cards, NSSF, military records, and birth certificates to prove citizenship.
Proof of residence: You must prove where you live before getting benefits. You can get a letter from your landlord, rent receipts, and your current lease to fulfill this requirement.
ID card: As with most public services, you’ll need to prove your identity. A driver’s license, voter registration, passport, birth certificate, or school ID may help you qualify here.
Earned and unearned income: Since there are income requirements for this program, you need to provide household income information. Use bank statements, paychecks, employer letter with income stated, tax records, etc. to prove this information. Additionally, you should provide the value of any assets, including vehicles.
Medical costs: Medical expenses can be costly in the United States. Bring your records, including any information indicative of how much you pay to care for an elderly household member or child. If you’re disabled or supporting a disabled person, bring proof of disability.

The SNAP Interview Process

The SNAP office should contact you within 30 days of your application. You’ll learn more about SNAP benefits during the interview, including the amount of benefits you will receive. If you’re denied, you’ll be able to appeal; make sure to ask your interviewer for information about that process.