Have you ever imagined a platform where you will be assisted financially by getting help buying fresh, nutritious food? You would want to put into consideration the SNAP (Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program) Food Program which was formerly referred to as food stamps. SNAP was developed by the United States federal government bodies to aid low-income households, elderly, and disabled individuals living in the U.S. This program was administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with assistance from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).
Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP is the largest federal nutrition assistance program all around the states of America. The United States department of agriculture developed this program to supplement the food budget of needy families. This is so they can be able to make an easy purchase of healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. SNAP has benefitted over 40 million Americans including the young, old, and disabled. The benefits are been accessed through a debit card look-like object known as an Electric Benefits Transfer (EFT) Card. And this EFT card can only be used to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.
Related: Eligible Food Items Under SNAP – SNAP Eligibility | SNAP Benefits
Benefits Of SNAP
The SNAP organization has brought happiness to lots of Americans with their benefits. Some of which include:
- About 92% of SNAP benefits go to households with incomes at or below the poverty line, and 56% go to households at or below half of the poverty line.
- SNAP participation for 6 months was associated with a decrease in food insecurity, including households with food-insecure children.
- SNAP lifted over millions of children above half of the poverty line more than any other program.
- They provide assistance during economic downturns.
- SNAP has delivered over 40 billion US dollars in economic stimulus.
- SNAP helps individuals leaving the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program by supporting their transition to economic independence.
- According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. This program has created over millions in farm production, farm value-added, and over 3000 farm jobs.
- SNAP beneficiaries do spend more dollars buying food in local stores than eligible non-participants.
SNAP Eligibility
The SNAP benefits are only received by households meeting the basic income and other requirements. SNAP household is referred to as any person who lives, buys, and eat their food together. Matured children older than 21 living with their parents are qualified to register for the SNAP benefits if they purchased and eat food separately.
To be eligible to get SNAP benefits, your household must meet the required gross and net income limits, which include:
Household size 1 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $1290 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $1000.
Household size 2 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $1700 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $1300.
The Household size 3 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $2200 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $1600.
Household size 4 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $2500 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $1900.
Household size 5 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $3100 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $2400.
The Household size 6 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $3600 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $2700.
Household size 7 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $4100 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $3100.
Household size 8 = gross monthly income (130% of poverty) of above $4600 = net monthly income (100% of poverty) of above $3500.
Each other additional number to the 8 household size = +gross monthly income of $479 = +net monthly income of $369.
Note: Gross income is referred to as a household total, non-excluded income before deductions have been made.
Net income means the gross income minus the allowable deductions.
Check This Out: SNAP Benefits – SNAP Eligibility | SNAP Monthly Income Limits | Allotments from SNAP
How Will I Know If My Household Is Approved For SNAP Benefits
After you have filled the application. You will receive a notice within 30 days to inform you whether or not your household has been approved for SNAP benefits. If your household is approved. Then you will receive a letter on the amount of benefits you will receive. And advising you when you have to be interviewed again to continue receiving benefits.
How Can I Use The SNAP Benefits
If your household has been approved for the snap. The benefits will be deposited into your SNAP benefits account each month. You will be given an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail along with instructions on how to activate the card and how to choose a Personal Identification Number to access your benefit account. These benefits can be used to purchase almost any food item, except for ready-to-eat hot foods. Also, you can use SNAP benefits to buy seeds, and plants and vegetables. SNAP benefits cannot be to purchase; tobacco, alcohol, pet food, soap, and other household products, medicines, and other non-food items.
The SNAP benefits can be used to purchase:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry, and fish.
- Dairy products.
- Breads and cereals.
- Other food items such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Seeds and plants for households to grow.
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