Hunger is on the rise in America. Food stamp, or SNAP, usage reached
46.7 million in June, 2012. With this record-high number of families
receiving assistance, it's no wonder that many are looking for
information on qualifying for, and receiving, this benefit.
Qualifying
for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) means that your
household must meet specific requirements. Income guidelines apply, as
do resource limits, employment verification, and information on all
household members applying for benefits. Age, disability, and
immigration status can also affect your eligibility.
The income
requirement guidelines include both gross and net limits. Your household
income must fall within the ranges specified for your household size,
unless there are extenuating circumstances. Some of these circumstances
may include elderly or disabled household members, deductions allowed,
or receipt of other benefits. Income qualifications can be extensive and
confusing. For most households, it is best to speak to someone at your
local office. Web-based help is also available, at the USDA-SNAP
website.
Resource limits also impact eligibility for SNAP. Your
personal belongings and home are exempted, but your car is considered a
resource, as are any bank accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of
deposit, burial plots, or a host of other assets. These resources cannot
total more than $2,000 in most cases. If they do, your household will
not qualify for assistance, unless a member of the household is elderly
or disabled.
Your household will also be subject to specific
employment requirements. Pay stubs or employer verification will be
required, if you are currently employed. This will be required of all
employed members of your household. There are also employment
requirements for currently unemployed, able-bodied members filing for
benefits. You must be conducting a job search, willing to accept
retraining, and able to take advantage of any job placement
opportunities that may be offered to you.
There are limits to the
benefits you can receive if you do not meet these requirements. Your
benefits will be for no more than three months in any 36 month period.
Special
consideration is given to the elderly and the disabled. SNAP
requirements for able-bodied adults are very different from those for
the disabled and elderly people. Understanding all the restrictions and
exemptions for the elderly or disabled can be quite difficult, and it is
recommended that you contact a worker at your local office if you fall
into these categories. Benefits are also available for immigrants, but
this eligibility depends on your status. It can't hurt to check and see
if you qualify.
By
JS Alexa
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