What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal nutrition assistance program that provides low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase food. The program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provides monthly benefits to eligible participants. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and bread products. The program also provides nutrition education to help participants make healthy choices and stretch their foods dollars.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility for SNAP is based on income and household size. Generally, households with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level are eligible for benefits.
How is SNAP eligibility determined?
To be eligible for benefits, income and resources must meet 3 major criteria:
Gross monthly income (ie. income before any deductions are applied) must be below 130% of the federal poverty line.
Net income (ie. household income after deductions are applied) must be at or below the poverty line3.
Assets must fall below certain limits. Eg. households without a member 60+ must have assets of $2750 or less, and with such member assets must be $4250 or less
Who is NOT eligible for SNAP regardless of income and assets?
All people without documented immigration status
Some students
Certain immigrants (state dependent)
Unemployed adults age 18-49 without disability status (can receive for max of 3 mo every 3 yrs only)
What documents are needed for SNAP enrollment?
List of SNAP Application Documents
Identification
Social Security Numbers for primary applicant*
some states require you to enter the SSN for all members in the household or proof that all members have applied for SSN
If not US citizen, provide document verification of legal immigration status
Information about earned income
Information about other/unearned income
Information about assets/resources
Housing expenses
Utility expenses
Dependent care costs
Medical costs for those who are 60+ or disabled
Child support payments
Potential/Less Common Documents include:
Vehicle information which may include:
Make/model/year
Ownership type (lean, own, rental, etc.)
Payment structure (monthly, yearly, etc.)
Insurance information and payment
State-specific vehicle payments (ie. inspection, yearly vehicle tax, etc.)