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Facts About SNAP
The following information is based on a pamphlet that the Food and
Nutrition Service sends to people who ask for information about the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We also send supplies of the pamphlet to State
agencies to distribute. If you would like a copy of the pamphlet, write to
us at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, or e-mail us at
PRGDEV-WEB@fns.usda.gov .
SNAP helps low-income people buy the food they need for
good health. You may be able to get SNAP benefits if you are:
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Working for low wages or working part-time;
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Unemployed;
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Receiving welfare or other public assistance payments;
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Elderly or disabled and are low-income; or
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Homeless.
State public assistance agencies run the program through their local
offices. The following basic rules apply in most States, but a few States
have different rules.
The amount of SNAP benefits you can get is based on the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Thrifty Food Plan, which is an estimate of how
much it costs to buy food to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for your
household. This estimate is changed every year to keep pace with food
prices.
In SNAP, a household is normally a group of people who
live together and buy food and prepare meals together. If your household
passes the program’s eligibility tests, the amount of SNAP benefits
you get will depend on the number of people in your household and on how
much monthly income is left after certain expenses are deducted.
SNAP benefits help supplement an individual’s or a
family’s income to help buy nutritious food. Most households must spend some
of their own cash along with their SNAP benefits to buy the food they need.
To apply for benefits or for more information about
SNAP, contact your local SNAP office. The local office
may be listed under "Human Resources," "Social Services," "Food Stamps" or
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)” in the State or local government pages
of the telephone directory. You may also call SNAP's
toll free information line at
1-800-221-5689, or your State's toll-free information line or go to your
State’s web site. Many States
have a locator on the web site that will tell you where the nearest office
is.
You can use our online pre-screening
tool (or its
stand-alone
version) to find out if you might be eligible for SNAP benefits and
how much you might receive in benefits. The pre-screening tool is private
and easy-to-use. It is available in English and Spanish. If the
pre-screening tool says you may be eligible for SNAP benefits, you
still need to fill out an application and submit it to your local SNAP
office if you want to apply for SNAP benefits.
Applying for SNAP Benefits
The SNAP office will give you an application form on the same day
you ask for one. You may ask for it in person, over the phone, or by mail.
You can also ask someone else to get one for you.
The office will accept the form on the same day you turn it in, even if they
cannot interview you on that day.
Fill in your name, address, telephone number, and as much other
information as you can on the application form, and sign it.
You must answer all questions completely and
honestly. If you knowingly give false information or intentionally fail to
report required information, you may incur substantial penalties, including
fines, imprisonment, and removal from the program.
You can take, send, or mail the form to the SNAP office. Some
States accept faxed or e-mailed applications. Currently, most States do not
accept applications online. However, at minimum, States should
have their application available on their
website in every language in
which the agency makes a printed application available. This will enable you
to print an application, fill it out, and send it to your local SNAP
office.
The sooner you get the form in to the office, the sooner you can get your
benefits, if you are eligible. If you qualify for SNAP benefits, you
will get them no later than 30 days from the date the office got your
application. If your household has little or no money and needs help right
away, you may be able to get SNAP benefits within 7 days.
After you have turned in your application, the SNAP
office will contact you to set up an interview to go over your application.
A SNAP
worker will explain the program rules and help you complete any parts of the
application that you have not filled out. The worker will also ask you for
proof of certain information you have given. Ask the worker to explain
anything you don’t understand. It’s important that you understand the rules.
If you and everyone you live with are applying for or getting
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may apply for SNAP
benefits in your Social Security district office. (This does not apply in
California, where people who receive SSI benefits get cash instead of SNAP benefits).
Households that apply for benefits under SNAP may also
be able to apply for public assistance and, in some locations, State or
local general assistance at the same time.
Meeting Eligibility Rules and Providing Proof That You Are Eligible
Listed below are some of the basic rules and the kinds of proof you may
need during your interview. Your case may be completed faster if you bring
the proof with you to the interview.
If you have trouble getting papers (documents) or information you need, the
worker may be able to help you. If the papers are not easy to get, you may
give the name of someone, such as your employer, who can confirm your
statements.
Citizenship Status: U. S. citizens
and many non-citizens are eligible for the program. For a complete list of
the special requirements for non-citizens, go to our
immigrant policy page. Even if
some members of the household are not eligible, those who are may be able to
get SNAP benefits.
Social Security Numbers: Everyone in
the household that is applying for benefits must have or apply for a Social
Security number. A household member that does not have a Social Security
number can choose not to apply for benefits and be treated as a
non-applicant. Even though non-applicants are ineligible for SNAP benefits,
their income and resources are still counted to determine eligibility for
the remaining household members. If you are otherwise eligible for SNAP benefits, you can get them for a short time while you are waiting for
your Social Security number.
Work Rules: With certain exceptions,
able-bodied adults between 16 and 60 years of age must register for work,
accept an offer of suitable work, and take part in an employment and
training program to which they will be referred by the SNAP office.
Generally, able-bodied adults aged 18 to 50 who do not have children and
are not pregnant can only get SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period
unless they are working or participating in a work or workfare program.
There are a few exceptions.
Students: Most able-bodied students
ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college or other institutions of
higher education at least half time are not eligible for SNAP
benefits. However, students may be able to get SNAP benefits if
otherwise eligible and they:
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Get public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program;
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Take part in a State or federally financed work study program;
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Work at least 20 hours a week;
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Are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6;
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Are taking care of a dependent household member over the age of 5
but under 12 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to
attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours, or to take part in a State
or federally financed work study program; or
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Are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools
through:
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A program under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998;
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A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974;
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An employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act; or
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An employment and training program operated by a State or local
government.
Also, a single parent enrolled full time in college and taking care of a
dependent household member under the age of 12 can get SNAP benefits
if otherwise eligible.
Persons on Strike: Households with a
person who is on strike because of a labor dispute are not eligible unless
they were eligible the day before the strike and continue to be eligible at
the time of application. Eligible households cannot get more SNAP
benefits just because the striking member is getting less income.
Resources: Under SNAP
rules, resources—such as bank accounts, cash, real estate, personal
property, vehicles, etc.—are considered in determining whether a household
is eligible to get SNAP benefits. Some resources are counted toward
the allowable limit and some are not. The SNAP worker will explain
which are counted. All households may have up to $2,000 worth of countable
resources and still be eligible. Households may have up to $3,000 and still
be eligible if at least one member is age 60 or older, or disabled.
The resources of people who get public assistance, SSI, and, in some
locations, general assistance are not counted toward the limit.
Some resources that will not be
counted are:
Examples of resources that will be
counted are:
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Cash and money in checking and savings accounts;
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Stocks and bonds; and
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Land and buildings, other than your home and lot, that do not
produce income.
(Proof: Bank books, bank statements, and other documents.)
Licensed vehicles are handled as follows:
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Used for producing income for the household;
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Annually producing income consistent with its fair market value;
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Necessary for long-distance travel for work (other than daily
commute);
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Used as the household’s home;
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Necessary to transport a physically disabled household member;
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Needed to carry most of the household’s fuel or water;
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Or, if the household has little equity in the vehicle (because
of money owed on the vehicle, there would be no more than $1,500
left over if sold).
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One vehicle per adult household member; and
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Any other vehicle a teen-aged member of the household drives to
work, school, job training or to look for work.
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For all other vehicles, the fair market value over $4,650 or the
equity value, whichever is more, is a resource that will be counted.
(Equity value is the market value of the vehicle, less the amount the
household owes on it.)
(Most States have a less stringent vehicle policy, based on the rules in
their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Many States
exempt one vehicle per household; others exempt all vehicles. If you ask
about it, the eligibility worker will explain any differences from the
policy described above.)
Income: Under SNAP
rules, almost all types of income are counted to determine if a household is
eligible. Most households must have income at or below certain dollar limits
before and after deductions are allowed. However, households in which all
members are getting public assistance or SSI (or, in some locations, general
assistance) do not have to meet the income eligibility tests.
(Proof: You must provide proof of the income of all household members.
Examples of proof include latest pay stubs or a statement from your
employer; and benefit letters from Social Security, Veterans Administration,
unemployment compensation, or pensions.)
Deductions: After adding all of your
household’s countable income, the SNAP worker will subtract certain
deductions. The income after deductions must fall below a certain dollar
amount for your household to get SNAP benefits. This dollar amount
will depend on the number of people in your household. The following
deductions are allowed for all households:
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The standard deduction in most states is at least $144, and higher
for households with 4 or more persons. However, Alaska, Hawaii, the
Virgin Islands, and Guam have standard deductions that are at least
$246, $203, $127 and $289, respectively for households with 3 or more
persons for Fiscal Year 2009;
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20 percent of earned income;
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Actual costs of dependent care (Dependent care includes care for children and
disabled adults if this care is needed so that a household member can
work, look for a job, or get training or education leading to a job.);
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Legally owed child-support payments;
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Shelter expenses that are more than half of your income (There is a
dollar limit on the amount of shelter expenses that may be deducted
unless there is an elderly or disabled member. If there is an elderly or
disabled member, the dollar limit does not apply.); and
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Medical expenses over $35 a month for household members who are age
60 or older or receiving certain disability payments. (Medical costs are
deductible only if they are not covered by insurance, a government
program, or some other source.)
(Proof: Bills or records of payment for the following:
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Dependent-care costs, such as a babysitter, day-care center, or
attendant for a disabled adult;
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Child-support payments, such as a court order and cancelled checks;
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Rent or mortgage;
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Insurance on the structure (but not the contents) of a home;
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Telephone, electricity, gas, oil, water, sewerage, garbage
collection, and installation costs for utilities; and
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Medical expenses and proof of any reimbursement, such as an
insurance policy or statement from an insurance company or agency paying
these bills.)
Finding Out If You Qualify
After your interview, the SNAP office will send you a notice.
If you do not qualify for SNAP
benefits, the notice will explain why.
If you do qualify, the notice will
explain how much your SNAP benefit will be. It will also tell you how
many months you can get SNAP benefits before you must reapply.
If you think your application has been wrongly denied or that you have
not gotten the correct amount of SNAP benefits, you should tell the
office. If they do not agree, you must ask them to have your case reviewed
by a fair hearing official. For more information about fair hearings, see
the section below entitled "Your Rights."
Receiving Your SNAP Benefits
If the office finds that you are eligible, you will be able to get your
SNAP benefits no later than 30 days from the date you first applied,
unless you qualify for faster service. If you have no income (or very little
income) for the month and you need help right away, you may qualify for
7-day service.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
SNAP benefits are delivered to EBT accounts. You
will receive a plastic card with a magnetic strip (similar to a credit or
debit card) to access your SNAP EBT account at authorized food retail outlets. Along
with your EBT card, you will receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
that protects your benefits from unauthorized use by someone else. Your PIN
is a secret number, which only you know, that allows you to use your EBT
card to purchase eligible food items. Keep your PIN secret and do not write
it down on the card or card sleeve. Without the PIN, nobody else can use
your card.
Most states mail EBT cards to recipients. If your EBT card is mailed to
you, you will also receive important information on how to use your EBT
card. In addition, you will also receive information on your rights and
responsibilities when using an EBT card to purchase eligible food items. If
your EBT card is mailed, you will receive your PIN in the mail several days
after receiving your EBT card. On the other hand, if your state delivers EBT
cards over-the-counter, your local caseworker will explain the process for
receiving your EBT card and PIN, and provide training on use of the card.
SNAP benefits are automatically deposited into your
SNAP EBT
account once you are determined eligible to receive SNAP benefits. For
every month you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, your benefits
will be automatically deposited into your EBT account. A worker at your
local SNAP office will tell you which day of the month your SNAP
benefits will be deposited into your EBT account.
Using EBT to Purchase Food
EBT cards can be used like a debit card at most stores that sell food.
Once your eligible food items have been totaled at the cash register, you
will pass your EBT card through a point-of-sale (POS) terminal in the
check-out line, and enter your PIN. In most cases, the POS terminal connects
with a computer where your SNAP benefits are stored. In some States, the
benefits are actually stored on the card. The cost of the SNAP items you
purchase will be subtracted from the amount in your SNAP EBT
account, up to the balance remaining in the account.
Once your SNAP EBT transaction is complete, you will receive a
receipt that shows the amount of your SNAP purchase and the amount of
SNAPp benefits remaining in your EBT account. You should keep these
receipts so you know how much of the SNAP benefits remain in your EBT
account each time you go to the store. You should also keep these receipts
as your record of SNAP purchases in case there are problems with your
account.
If you need someone to purchase your groceries for you because of a
disability, lack of transportation, or other reason, ask your local
caseworker to explain how you can designate a person you trust as your
authorized representative.
Spending Your SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits can only be used for food and for plants and seeds to
grow food for your household to eat.
Sales tax cannot be charged on items bought with
SNAP benefits.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:
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Any nonfood item, such as pet foods; soaps, paper products, and
household supplies; grooming items, toothpaste, and cosmetics
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Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
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Vitamins and medicines
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Any food that will be eaten in the store
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Hot foods
Reporting on Your Household Circumstances
Some households are required to report on their household circumstances
every month. Other households are required to report changes in household
circumstances when they become known. Still other households report changes
once a quarter or semi-annually. You may report changes by calling the SNAP office. However, it is better to write down the change and mail it to
the office.
If you are eligible for SNAP benefits, you will be told what
information to report and when to report.
It is extremely important that you report changes, so that your household
gets the right amount of SNAP benefits. If you get any extra SNAP benefits because you have not reported the right information, you will
have to pay back the value of the extra SNAP benefits.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
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Receive an application, and have your application accepted on the
same day that you go to the SNAP office;
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Have an adult who knows your situation apply for you if you cannot
get to the SNAP office;
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Get your SNAP benefits within 30 days after you apply if you
do qualify for them;
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Get SNAP benefits within 7 days if you are in immediate need
and qualify for faster service;
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Not be discriminated against because you are elderly or because of
sex, race, color, disability, religious creed, national origin, or
political beliefs;
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Be told in advance if the SNAP office is going to reduce or
end your benefits during your certification period because of a change
in your situation that you did not report in writing;
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Look at your own case file and a copy of SNAP rules; and
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Have a fair hearing if you don’t think the rules were applied
correctly in your case. At a fair hearing, you may explain to a hearing
official why you don’t agree with what the SNAP office has done.
You can ask the SNAP office for a fair hearing in writing, in
person, or over the phone. The office will give you information about the
hearing rules in your State.
You can ask a friend or relative or anyone else to help you prepare for
the hearing and go to the hearing with you.
In some cases, you can continue to get your SNAP benefits without a
change while you are waiting for the hearing decision.
If the official decides the SNAP office is right, you will have to
repay the value of any SNAP benefits you did not have a right to get.
If the hearing official decides you are right, you will continue to get or
begin to get the correct amount of SNAP benefits. If the hearing
official decides you are right and you did not get continued benefits, the
amount of any SNAP benefits you had a right to get will be given to
you.
Your Responsibilities
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When you apply for SNAP benefits, answer all questions
completely and honestly. Sign your name to certify, under penalty of
perjury, that all your answers are true.
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Provide proof that you are eligible.
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Promptly report changes in household circumstances to the
SNAP
office.
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Do not put your money or possessions in someone else’s name in order
to be able to get SNAP benefits.
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Do not make changes on any SNAP cards or documents.
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Do not sell, trade, or give away your SNAP
benefits, or any SNAP
cards or documents.
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Use SNAP benefits only to buy eligible items.
People who break SNAP rules may be disqualified from the
program, fined, put in prison, or all three.
Toll Free Number for Reporting Abuse
If you wish to report any misuse, fraud, waste, or abuse of
SNAP
benefits, you can use this toll-free number: 1-800-424-9121. If you are in
the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, the number is 202-690-1622.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or
marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of
program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact
USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue,
SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA
is an equal employment provider and employer.
SNAP Make America Stronger
Last modified:
11/21/2008
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