If you have the option of receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in the United States, you may also have the option of applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. At the time you apply for SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) also allows you to apply for SNAP to save time. This is an option that Social Security allows.
But in order to apply for SNAP, you must meet a number of requirements before you can apply. So not everyone will be able to apply for this extra benefit from Social Security. The requirements are very clear.
Your SNAP benefit will depend on your income and the number of people living in your household. But the basic monthly SSI payment for 2022 is the same across the country. It is $841 for an individual or $1,261 for a couple.
How to apply for SNAP with Social Security
If your home already receives SSI or has applied to Social Security, you may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In order to do so you need to follow the following steps with SSA:
- Help complete your SNAP application over the phone. If you are hearing disabled, you can call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
- Help you complete the application in person if you have an appointment scheduled.
- Mail a SNAP application
- You may mail the completed application to your local SNAP office.
You can find your local SNAP office by visiting the SNAP state resource directory website.
What is the mission of Social Security SNAP?
SNAP provides food assistance to low-income households. Benefits are deposited monthly into SNAP accounts linked to EBT cards, which function like debit cards.
Most major supermarket chains, such as Target or Walmart, accept EBT cards. Eligible items are usually home-prepared foods. You will not be able to purchase prepared food to go.
In the case of SSI, it also provides benefits to people with limited income and resources. It is also an option for people over 65 or people with disabilities.