The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a government-run program to assist individuals and families who have low incomes with food assistance. This can make or break a family’s ability to feed themselves and their children and is more critical than ever, with inflation pushing the costs of things like food higher and higher.
- More than 41 million low-income households in the United States receive assistance via SNAP
- SNAP can be used for short-term or longer-term
- SNAP helps feed Americans on low or no income
- SNAP is the #1 fight against hunger in America
SNAP: What is it?
SNAP is nutritional support for low-income older adults (60 years old or more), working families with low wages, people on a fixed income with disabilities, and other households or persons with low incomes. Roughly 2/3rds of people participating in SNAP are families with children, and over 1/3rd are homes with older adults and those with disabilities. SNAP is available in all 50 states and is completely paid for by the federal government. After UI (Unemployment Insurance), it is the most used way to provide food assistance to individuals and families in the United States.
Who Qualifies for SNAP?
Unlike many income-based benefit programs, SNAP is one of the most broadly available programs. You can check the program’s website for SNAP Eligibility Rules here, but for the most part, the income levels are set by the federal government and are relatively the same from state to state. To qualify for SNAP all individuals and households must meet three specific criteria as of 2022:
- Income of less than $28,550 a year or roughly $2,379 per month for up to a 3-person household. Gross monthly income must be below or at 130% of the current government-set poverty line. If there is a home member older than 60 or someone with a disability, this is no longer a requirement.
- Income after deductions (net monthly income) must be at or below the poverty line.
- Assets must be under specific limits. Households with a household member 60 years of age or more or with a disability is $3,750. For those with no member 60+ or with a disability, it is $2,500.
SNAP Eligibility Website – determine if you qualify.
Who Does Not Qualify for SNAP?
SNAP households typically include people living together and who purchase and prepare food together. Some individuals do not qualify, including specific individuals holding a drug-related felony in some states, people on strike, some university students, and some with particular immigration statuses.
How Long Can a Household Receive SNAP?
SNAP typically provides benefits for a maximum of 3 months unless working a minimum of 20 hours part-time or participating in qualified job training programs (workfare). If states have high unemployment in specific areas, they can receive a waiver extending the 3-month time frame. Note: The 3-month limit has been suspended temporarily by Congress until the conclusion of the public health emergency enacted during the pandemic.
How do I Apply for SNAP?
Every state has its own process for those looking to apply for SNAP. You have the option to apply at a physical location, you can put your application in the mail, or you can use your state’s online application portal. Each state has its own application process and location:
All of those applying for SNAP must complete an eligibility interview that looks at income, identity, residency, immigration status, the composition of the household (members), assets, as well as deductible expenses.
SNAP is a Powerful Program
Do not hesitate to apply for SNAP in your state if you are facing difficulties feeding yourself and your family. This program exists to be a bridge for those facing hard times and keep food on the table during an individual or household economic downturn. There is no discrimination based on race, creed, or economic status. You will be treated with the respect you deserve while receiving the benefits that are so crucial to running a healthy household.