Achieving Food Security Through The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Though the United States is a land of opportunity where dreams become a reality, not everyone is living a life of plenty. Some are struggling and just get by. But luckily, many benefit programs are on offer to help people with difficulties and hardships. In this write-up, we'll look at the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is aimed at those on a low income.

What Is The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program exists to pay for food for those on low incomes. Previously known as "food stamps," those eligible are given a card in the form of an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) to use at shops where they can purchase food items.

• • The card can be used in a similar manner to a credit or debit card at the qualifying food stores.
• • SNAP is a United States government federal program operated by the Department of Agriculture, though each State executes the payments.

Who Qualifies

Certain tests must be met to qualify for SNAP, including income levels and resources available to the family. You will need to satisfy the following:

• • Must be a legal alien or a US citizen,
• • Need to hold or apply for a Social Security Number,
• • Able-bodied members of the household between the ages of 16 and 59 must be open to attend work (and may need to make themselves available for SNAP training and employment programs),
• • Must live in the State where the application is made,
• • The family's gross household income must be less than 130% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), with the net income falling below the FPL.
• • The assets held by the family must be below $2,750 (if a member of the household is over 60 or people with disabilities, the value of the assets must be less than $4,250).

What Documents Are Required To Apply For The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?

The documentation required to apply will vary from State to State, but you can expect to need these items as a general checklist:

• • Proof of identification for all those in the household (passport, driver's license, birth certificate , photo ID card, Naturalization Certificate),
• • Proof of immigration status and citizenship (permanent resident card, birth certificate, military records, Green card, United States passport, Naturalization Certificate),
• • Proof of address (such as utility bills like water bills, electric bills, telephone bills),
• • Social Security Proof (Social Security Card),
• • Proof of residency that includes the rent paid (tenancy agreements, rent receipts, mortgage book),
• • Proof of resources (bank statements, bond/stock certificates),
• • Proof of income for everyone living in the home (pay stubs, tax returns for self-employed people, disability payments, social security).

How To Apply

Before applying, check with your State website to see if you may be eligible. If you think you could qualify, it is possible to apply online, locally in person, or send the application by mail.

For online applications, you must access your State's Social Services online portal and complete the application process. To apply in person and mail application, obtain an application form from your local State department. The departments dealing with the application will depend entirely on the State. It could be the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, or another bureau.

Though each State has its own application form, as a general rule, you will need to provide:

• • Personal details of all members of the household (such as name, address, date of birth, telephone number, email address),
• • Household income for all the members within the home,
• • Monthly expenses (such as rent, utility bills, medical bills, child care costs),
• • Resources held such as property, cash, savings, etc).

What Happens After The Application?

Following on from the application, most States will ask the applicant to attend an in-person interview where the claim is reviewed. After this process, the State Department dealing with the application will notify you of the outcome in writing. For those who do not qualify, the department will inform them of the reason for the decision.

The applicant will be informed of the amount awarded if the claim is successful, with payments commencing within 30 days of their application. People with little in the way of an income and need urgent assistance can expect to receive payments within 7 days. All claimants approved for SNAP payments will be sent an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to enable them to make food purchases. Therefore, this benefit scheme does not make payments in cash sums.

How Much Can You Expect To Receive Through SNAP?

Several factors determine the amount an applicant can expect to receive. They include:

• • Monthly household income,
• • Household size,
• • Expenses (such as utilities, rent, mortgage, elder care, child care).

The table below outlines the maximum and average expected payments based on household size.

It is possible to receive other benefits while obtaining SNAP. However, the benefit payments will be counted as income. You can expect to continue to receive benefits such as SSI/Disability payments.

How Long Can You Expect To Receive SNAP?

Those between 18 and under 49 can obtain the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit for 3 months every 3 years unless in work or a training program lasting at least 20 hours a week. This limitation is not imposed on those with children in the household, people unable to work, or pregnant women.

What Can You Buy With An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card?

The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card can be used at recognized grocery stores and farmers' markets. The person is able to buy foods such as meat, poultry, fish, cereals, breads, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds. It cannot be used for purchases like alcohol, tobacco products, medication, vitamins, prepared foods, and non-food items.

Helping To Feed Over 40 Million Americans

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps over 40 million Americans. Aimed at those on low income, the program provides an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card that enables people to buy food at recognized stores. Thanks to the program, more Americans can achieve food security and maintain good health.