SNAP is the new word to call Food Stamps. This program has recently replaced the other one and you may wonder if you are eligible to collect some money for food in Florida. Bear in mind that the amount of these checks could be significant if you meet all the requirements and you have a low income at the moment.
The biggest food program in the USA may provide you with the temporary help you need to get over a difficult financial situation. Besides, you can also have the opportunity to eat healthier food with SNAP. Sometimes, you can manage to eat but your diet is not a balanced one. The healthier the product, the more expensive it is.
Therefore, you are killing more than two birds with one stone. You are saving money that you need to spend on food, you become healthier and you can eat a wider range of healthy food. If you have children, they need all this to be able to focus on their studies and grow strong and healthy as well. SNAP can help with this.
How do I know if I am eligible to collect SNAP in Florida?
This is a Federal program and SNAP agencies take eligibility seriously. So, you will only be able to benefit from it if you meet every single requirement. Depending on the state you live in, you may have different requirements though. The first requirement is to prove your identity. In theory, an easy task.
Secondly, there are some work rules. They will be stricter with those citizens who want to collect SNAP but are aged 18 to 50 years old. Of course, there will be work rules as long as they are healthy and able to work. Whether you have children or not matters. Obviously, there are work rules if you have no kids.
Or else, if are not pregnant. However, even if you got SNAP checks in that situation, you will only be able to collect them for three months. This three-month period will be during three years. The situation may be different if you are taking part in a training program or even if you are working at the moment.
What are the Income and Residency requirements to receive SNAP benefits?
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, most households must meet the income thresholds they have set. For instance, the general rule is that your gross income is equal to or lower than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or FPL. Contact the closest SNAP agency because you may get deductions.
There are some cases in which you can get a deduction for certain expenses you may have. Do not forget to check if any of your medical or shelter expenses can grant you a deduction. Having to pay child support, apart from the utility or earned income deductions may be available. Only residents in Florida can get SNAP.
While you are applying you will also have to provide the SNAP office with your Social Security Number, otherwise, you cannot collect SNAP. If you have applied for it but still do not have it, attach proof of it. Having a disqualified member means you must meet an asset limit of $2,500 or $3,750 if there is an elderly person or a person with a disability.
What are the main causes of ineligibility?
In the state of Florida, you cannot be eligible if you are convicted because you have been drug trafficking. Besides, you will not be able to receive SNAP benefits if you are running away from a felony warrant or you have broken the rules of the SNAP program on purpose before. Not having a qualified status as well.
This may be another reason to reject your application for noncitizens. In certain circumstances, students cannot get SNAP either. It will be the case for those students who go to a higher education institution at half-time at least. On the other hand, you must remain in the same circumstance to collect SNAP checks.
If your situation improves you must talk to your SNAP office about it. For instance, you must report when your total gross income per month goes over 130% of the Federal Poverty Line. You have ten days to report to your local office about any changes regarding earnings and the number of hours you work each month.