Food Stamps Application and Eligibility Information

How to Apply for Food Stamps

By: Laurie Jerome-Pertilla

Rating:

( 1 Vote )

Many families are finding themselves having to deal with tighter budgets and shifting priorities. Even those who have never had to avail themselves of any kind of public assistance before, are stretching their food dollars to the max.What this can mean is eating less, or eating foods of lesser quality.
Learning how to apply for foods stamps can put food back in the fridge, and give you some peace of mind when things are rough.
Filling out an application for food stamps will take about an hour, and you may find yourself divulging information that seems excessive, but the process can yield hundreds of dollars each month toward your food budget, treeing up money for other expenses.

Who is Eligible For Food Stamps

Who can qualify for food stamps is determined by a formula that considers family size, gross income, available resources and assets, and in some cases age and disability. Here are some other pointers that determine eligibility:

Income guidelines are set according to current poverty levels and change as the economy changes.
Generally, you cannot have more than $2000 in available resources if under 60 years old, or $3000 if you are 60 or older.
If you are receiving SSI (Social Security) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), your resources are not considered, except in California.
Persons 60 years and older are able to take deductions specific to their own circumstances. Check with your local office to see what deductions you’re eligible for.
Whether or not you own your home is not taken into consideration when determining your eligibility for food stamps.
States may opt to use TANF, or SNAP* (food stamp program) guidelines regarding vehicles as assets.
See one of these helpful online resources: USDA Food and Nutritionand Food Stamp Facts. On these sites you will find pre-screening tools, income guidelines and other useful information on determining eligibility.

*Note - The Food Stamp Program has been recently renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and is focusing on better nutrition for food stamp recipients.

Where and How to Apply for Food Stamps

Although SNAP is a Federal program, it is administered on a state to state basis. The national number for locating your nearest SNAP office is 1-800-221-5689. You can also find your local office online at the USDA website.

Normally, a person applies on behalf of their household by going to a local office, filling out an application and having an interview. A household is defined by persons who live together and purchase and prepare food together.
Documentation is required to prove household size, income and expenses. You will be informed of what forms of proof to bring prior to your appointment.
If you are unable to physically go to the appointment, you may authorize someone to go on your behalf. A telephone interview is possible, but you have to request ti in advance. Some states offer an online application.
Applications can take up to 30 days to be processed. Expedited or emergency applications, available under certain situations, will take up to 7 days. See number 5 for more information on emergency food stamps.

The Food Stamp Application

You will need to provide the names, birthdates, citizenship status, social security numbers, and proof of address of all household members. Most states will require proof of income, as well as expenses of living (rent, mortgage, taxes, utilities, medical bills and dependent care) and banking information. The application takes less than an hour to complete. Food stamp offices will help you complete any portion you aren’t sure of.

Using Food Stamps

Once your application has been approved, you will probably be issued a card similar to a credit card to use at retail stores and other vendors participating in the program. A few states still use paper stamps.

You may use your allowed amount on any consumable food that is not hot at the time of purchase.

You cannot purchase non-food items, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, or pet foods.

You’ll be given a list of allowable foods along with information on nutrition and meal planning so as to make the best use of your allotment.

Most major stores and many independent retailers participate in the SNAP program.

Emergency Food Stamps

You may be eligible for emergency or expedited food stamps if:

You have less than $100 in liquid resources and less than $150 in gross monthly income.
You are a seasonal farm worker or migrant worker without resources.
Your rent or mortgage, heat, and utility expenses (water, electricity, phone) exceed your monthly income and liquid resources.

It may take 5-7 days to receive expedited stamps. If you need food now, ask to be referred to a local pantry until your case is approved. The local SNAP office will usually do this. Some offices will issue an immediate allotment; others do not. At any rate, you must be screened for eligibility on the same day you ask for emergency assistance. If you receive expedited stamps, you will probably need to complete the application process for regular food stamps if you want to receive them.

Stretching Your Food Stamp Dollars

You can make the most of your food stamp dollars by following these tips:

Keep it nutritious- Use your stamps for purchasing food that builds health. Buy lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, pastas, breads, lean meats, poultry and fish, while low fat dairy products, cheese, and eggs will keep your teeth and bones strong. Avoid junk foods and empty calories such as sodas, chips and cookies. Make your treats healthy ones, such as popcorn, tortilla chips and salsa.
Plan your meals- Create a weekly menu plan and generate your grocery list from that. When cooking, make enough extra food to freeze for lunches and for those days when you’re too busy to do anything but pop something in the microwave.
Look for sales- Check out weekly ads for deals on foods you eat. Stay away from novelty items and concentrate on the healthy foods that make up the bulk of your diet. Getting a good deal on meats, cereals, frozen and canned goods will give you more money at the end of the month.
Use coupons- Coupons can save you money, and furthermore you can use use them with food stamps. Getting coupons out of the paper, from magazines or online will lower your food bill; just don’t buy things you can’t really use.
Buy bulk- Check out local food co-ops for bulk prices. Many will accept food stamps. Some food pantries are able to accept them as well.

Conclusion

Food stamps can really help get you and your family through a rough spot. For more information, contact your local SNAP office and check out the links provided above. You might also want to read "Frugal Grocery Shopping on a Budget", for further grocery shopping tips.

blog comments powered by Disqus

Inspiration...

Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." - Will Smith
Be a Good Role Model When It Comes to Money...

More Quotes.....