It might be difficult to think clearly when you don’t know when your next meal will be. That’s why it is important for you to live in a food-secure home, which is easier said than done. A lot of people end up spending money on paying other bills and tend to forget about groceries. We’re here to tell you how you can get food support from a credible source that will help you and your family. You no longer have to worry about finding groceries. This article will guide you in the right direction for assistance.
Information About SNAP
The federal government offers different programs that offer food support, which includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). States manage the program after receiving funds from the federal government to help those who qualify. SNAP benefits come through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that automatically gets monthly funds for recipients. You should know that families with kids are the main priority of SNAP when it comes to benefits. However, the people who cannot get benefits, no matter how much they earn, would be:
- People on strike
- College kids
- Specific legal immigrants
Furthermore, there are eligibility requirements you need to meet to get SNAP benefits. We will explain that later on in the article. We’re sure that the most important question you have is how much is your allotment, or the amount of SNAP benefits you will get. There is a maximum benefit amount for every household, depending on the number of members in the family. If you want to know about the maximum benefit amount, then the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a table to clarify better. However, there is a calculation that SNAP considers when it comes to allotments. When we say eligible supermarkets, we refer to supermarkets that allow this payment type. What’s interesting is that when figuring out allotment amounts, the amount a household spends on groceries is taken into consideration. This estimate is that households spend no more than 30% of their income on groceries each month!
SNAP Eligibility Requirements: What Are They?
Now, let’s talk about those requirements that you need to meet. Generally, levels of benefits and qualifying criteria are consistent across the country. States can change the criteria for eligibility since they manage SNAP. However, the program puts a priority on those who need the most assistance. To find out whether you are eligible or not, you can know more from your state’s SNAP agency. If the program finds you eligible, then you start getting benefits from your application submission date. Also, it doesn’t cost a thing to apply for SNAP benefits. So, there is no harm in applying and taking your chances.
SNAP Restrictions
An important thing you should know about SNAP is that there are two kinds of restrictions, which are:
- Benefit restrictions
- Product restrictions
One kind of restriction is relevant to benefits, which states place on SNAP. However, since everyone goes through something different, you should verify the restrictions that apply to you. This is where staying in constant contact with your state’s SNAP agency comes in handy. To give you more context, one of the restrictions would be that a one-person household can only get benefits for three months tops (with certain exceptions).
With the product restrictions, you cannot buy just anything with your EBT card. You can buy only qualifying groceries that SNAP approves of. That would include meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and grain products, non-alcoholic beverages, and seeds/plants that families can eat after planting. Non-food items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and live animals are not acceptable to buy with EBT cards.
SNAP Application
When you send in your application, you will know your eligibility status in 30 days. However, some people can get benefits sooner than a month and can get benefits within seven days of their application date. If you apply for SNAP benefits, then you should apply in the state you are living in. Since states run the program, they can apply their own version when it comes to the application process. As SNAP reviews your application, you will participate in an interview of eligibility and offer evidence on your income level. Generally, the interview process depends on the state. We know we may sound like a broken record but if you have questions, comments, or concerns, then you will want to reach out to your state agency. They will have information, guidance, and resources that can provide clarity and support to people looking for more details. This is especially true when it comes to the application process for this program!
Overall
We mentioned that food support can be helpful for many families, which is why you should look into federal programs. One specific opportunity would be the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You may have heard of this program before this article! How much you will get from SNAP is based on different aspects, including your family, your income, and more. This program mostly helps households with kids to afford grocery costs. However, the program supports the elderly, those with disabilities, and more. If you are wondering how to get these benefits, then you can get automatic monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. You can get benefits until the expiration date comes up. In order to get these benefits, you will need to apply!
Since states are in charge of the program, you should reach out to your state’s SNAP agency when you start applying. You can apply on the phone, through in-person appointments, or even through online applications. After you send in your application, you will receive a status update on whether or not you are approved. There are two great things that come with applying for SNAP. First things first, you won’t need to pay a penny to apply. The second thing is that you would be able to get benefits from the date of your application. That’s why applying sooner rather than later would be a good option for you!
