Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program commonly known as SNAP is one of the largest federal food and nutrition assistance programs in the United States. The program aims to provide nutritional assistance to low-income or disabled individuals and households.
The program also assists eligible seniors in earning fixed or low wages. Each state has its guidelines as to how they administer the SNAP program whilst the federal government provides the funds.
There are general eligibility requirements in applying for the SNAP program, which is set by the federal government. These requirements are uniform across the country, however, each state may still impose specific eligibility requirements so make sure to coordinate with your state’s local SNAP office to know if there are additional guidelines to follow.
Listed below are the general eligibility criteria you must meet:
Take note that the amount limit may vary depending on the state you are in since each state has the flexibility to adjust different aspects of the SNAP program.
The following are resources that are not counted in determining your eligibility:
There may be other eligibility requirements in applying for SNAP:
In applying for SNAP, the first step to take is to get your state’s local SNAP office contact information. Not sure where to get the information? You can go to https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory and tap or search the state where you reside to get access to the contact information.
Once you have the information you can apply either any of the following ways:
Each state has its application process and guidelines, that’s why it is best to apply directly to your state’s agency responsible for administering the program.
After accomplishing your application either through walk-in, call, or online, you might wait approximately 30 days while the SNAP office processes your application.
You will eventually receive a notice informing you whether you are eligible or not for SNAP benefits. During the processing phase, expect to have an interview with staff from SNAP for verification of the information you submitted.
Once determined eligible, you will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that you can use for buying groceries in authorized stores within the country. This EBT card is like a debit card wherein the benefits you receive will be transferred to your account every month and use these benefits to buy basic nutritional needs like food and vitamins.
Once you are determined eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you will be informed about your certification period or the period/duration that you will receive benefits. If your certification period is nearing its end, your state’s local SNAP office will inform you that you need to recertify to continue receiving SNAP benefits as well as the steps you need to follow for recertification.
Students who are 18-49 years old and are currently enrolled in college either whole or more than half time are not eligible for SNAP benefits. Although there may be exemptions in some specific circumstances.
Eligibility for SNAP benefits is limited only to citizens of the United States, although there may be instances that eligible non-citizens can avail of SNAP benefits. For non-citizens applying for SNAP benefits, they must meet either one of the following:
In addition to this, non-citizens are also required to meet the general eligibility criteria to receive SNAP benefits.
Work requirements are also an important part of your SNAP benefits application. General work requirements include:
The following are exempted from the working requirements of the program:
If you want to know more about the SNAP program, have queries or concerns, you can visit your state’s local SNAP office to be guided accordingly.
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