10 Facts You Should Know About SNAP
Fact: SNAP is not a welfare program. It is a
nutrition assistance program designed to help low-income individuals and
families buy and consume nutritious foods.
Fact: SNAP is an entitlement program. In other
words, everyone who applies and who is determined to be eligible will get
SNAP benefits.
Fact: SNAP benefits are for eligible individuals and families,
including the elderly, disabled, working households, certain legal
immigrants and their U.S. born children
Fact: Individuals can own or buy a home and still get SNAP
benefits. The home and its lot are not counted as a resource in SNAP.
SNAP does not require a person to sign
away their home.
Fact: In 2000, elderly people who lived alone received an
average of $44 a month; and, elderly people not living alone received an
average benefit of $116 a month.
Fact: If an elderly or disabled person is not able to go to the
SNAP office, he or she may request a telephone interview. The person
may also ask a relative, pastor, neighbor, etc., to attend the interview
as an authorized representative. Applicants for and recipients of SSI may
also apply for SNAP benefits at the Social Security Office.
Fact: Medical expenses that exceed $35 a month may be deducted
from the total of household income unless an insurance company or someone
who is not a household member pays for them. The amount over $35 can be
deducted.
Fact: The resources limit for households containing an elderly
or disabled person is up to $3,000. The resource limit for all other
households is up to $2,000.
Fact: Households can receive SNAP benefits and still get
Meals-on-Wheels, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants
and Children (WIC) benefits, and Child Nutrition benefits such as the
School Lunch Program.
Fact: Receiving SNAP benefits will not make a
household containing legal immigrants a Public Charge.