The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s largest food assistance program that helps millions of low-income Americans to get a nutritious diet. It helps low-income families including women and children, disabled, and senior citizens to get access to a wholesome diet.
SNAP, administered by USDA in cooperation with state social service agencies dates back to 1933. If we look back into the pages of history, we can find America was struggling with the excess supply of crops during the Great Depression. During this time, the Federal Government bought the excess food crops at a discounted rate and distributed it among hunger relief agencies in state and local communities. This is how the concept of food assistance by the Government was introduced. While the step was taken to support the farmers, today it supports millions of low-income households in getting a nutritious diet.
During the time food stamps were distributed to formalize the process. However, there were several shortcomings of this system that limited access to the program. Besides the stigma associated with food stamps, the cost of printing them seemed like a burden to the Government. In the early 2000s, the Electronic Benefit System was introduced to revise how people could access the SNAP benefits. The Food Stamp Program was also revised and the access was extended to immigrants and children who were 18 and younger.
Eligibility Requirements for SNAP
Not everybody can apply for SNAP. The household must pass through some tests. While most low-income households can apply for the benefits, there are certain eligibility criteria to meet.
In general, the gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line, or $2,252 per month (approximately $27,020 per year) for a three-person family in the fiscal year 2019. This is not applicable to a household with an elderly or disabled member.
The net monthly income, or income after deducting items like high housing costs and child care, must be less than or equal to the poverty line ($1,732 per month or approximately $20,780 per year for a three-person family in the fiscal year 2019).
In the fiscal year 2019, the limits for assets are $2,250 for households without an elderly or disabled member and $3,500 for those with an elderly or disabled member.
Some people even after having a minimum income are not eligible to apply for SNAP. These people include strikers, most college students, and certain legal immigrants. Undocumented immigrants are also prohibited to apply for SNAP.
How to Apply?
The process to apply for SNAP is very simple. Each state has a different application process since they design their own application process. You can visit your local SNAP office and apply for the program. For those not willing to make this trip, you can download the application online from the state SNAP program website or make a phone call for the application. You will be required to participate in an eligibility interview which can happen over the phone or at the office.
You also need to present all the documents and proof of eligibility. You need to show your identity, income, age, residency, immigration status, household composition, income and resources, and deductible expenses.
Once you apply for SNAP, you won’t be able to enjoy the program for a lifetime. You will need to periodically reapply, preferable every six to twelve months. For senior citizens and disabled individuals, one needs to apply every twelve to twenty-four months.
In case of any confusion, you can visit the state SNAP website. Most states allow participants to download the form, fill it up and mail it with all supporting documents to the registered office in the state. There is a toll-free contact number that you can reach out to in case of any doubts.
Benefits of SNAP
Participants of SNAP get access to monthly benefits that allow them to purchase not only food items, but also plants and seeds, so they can grow their own food. The benefit amount however depends on the number of family members, and net monthly income after deducting all assets. There is no fixed amount that all the participants receive.
The benefit amount is also given according to need. A family with no net income receives the maximum benefit. The maximum monthly benefit for a household of one is $192, while a family of five will get $762.
The SNAP benefits are directly deposited in the participant’s EBT card account. Using this card, the participants may pay for their food at retailers, departmental stores, supermarkets, and farmers’ markets. Almost all basic food items including fruits and vegetables, bread and cereals, dairy products, meat, fish, and poultry items can be purchased with the EBT card under SNAP benefits. Pet food, supplements, vitamins, ready to eat items, and any non-food items are however cannot be purchased by participants. There is a restriction on liquor and tobacco as well.
SNAP is beneficial not only to protect low-income families from hunger and poverty but also to protect the overall economy. Furthermore, it promotes healthy eating. Since the benefits can be enjoyed only to purchase fresh food items, a low-income household can afford a nutritious diet.
SNAP and other food assistance programs have proved highly beneficial to eradicate poverty for millions of American households. The introduction of the EBT system to access SNAP benefits has increased transparency in the process and improved efficiency and program integrity. In today’s rapidly changing economy, SNAP gives food security to the participants helping them to get a nutritious diet for their families.
Whether you are looking for resources to know more about the SNAP program, or a guide to help you apply for the benefits, you can visit your state website and get all the necessary details there.
How to Contact & Get Support
SNAP is a program that is administered by USDA’s Food & Nutrition Service with headquarters at Braddock Metro Center II 1320 Braddock Place Alexandria, VA 22314. For queries on local SNAP office and how to apply, you can reach the hotline on 1-800-221-5689. Facing discrimination with application or receiving benefits? You can send an email to program.intake@usda.gov with details.
