SNAP may sound odd to many U.S. citizens since it stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It was the previously called Food Stamps program. Low-income people are the ones who could benefit from this Federal program. It is the most important program the Federal government has regarding food support.
These SNAP cheques are in fact Electronic Benefits Transfer cards. Beneficiaries can use this EBT card just as if it were their debit card, but for eligible items and stores. In this way, families or individuals who cannot afford to buy quality and healthy food due to their personal financial situation may be able to buy it. Of course, not everyone can take advantage of these cards.
Am I eligible for SNAP cheques or food stamps?
The first thing to take into account is the fact that you can only apply for SNAP cheques in the state you are currently living. If you live there, then you will have to meet specific bank balance limits. Households may vary and therefore requirements. Take for example a household that has a member older than 60 or a member that has a disability.
Those households will have a higher threshold. Therefore, their bank balance limit will be higher. Not only will they take into consideration your resources, but also your income. Bear in mind that these requirements change every year. Besides, if you got it in the past, you must recertify your SNAP benefit after your certification period comes to an end.
What resources can I have to get EBT cards?
A household could have up to $2,750 in resources to get SNAP cheques. For instance, it could be money in your bank account. When there is a member that has a disability or is older than 60 years old, the countable resources amount goes up to $4,250. Homes and lots are not taken into account though. Supplemental Security Income -SSI- or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families do not count either.
Do not worry much if you have a retirement or pension plan, most of them do not count. However, be careful with withdrawals since they may count as resources or income. Meeting gross and net income limits is essential to get SNAP benefits. Remember it is up to 130 percent of the poverty line in the USA. If you would like to know the requirements for students, there are two possibilities.
In general, those students who are between 18 to 49 and are studying at college for at least half-time, do not qualify. They could be eligible for SNAP if they meet special requirements. So, they can qualify to get SNAP if they achieve an exemption.