SNAP

What is SNAP?

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a federal program that helps millions of low-income Americans put food on the table. Across the United States there are 9.5 million families with children on SNAP. It is the largest program working to fight hunger in America.

Most SNAP eligibility rules apply to all households, but there are some special rules for households with elderly or disabled members that are described here.

Who is elderly?

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  • In SNAP, you are elderly if you are 60 years or older.

Who is disabled?

  • In SNAP, you are disabled if you meet ONE of the following criteria:

 

    • You receive Federal disability or blindness payments under the Social Security Act, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security disability or blindness payments. OR

    • You receive state disability or blindness payments based on SSI rules. OR

    • You receive a disability retirement benefit from a governmental agency because of a permanent disability. OR

    • You receive an annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act and are eligible for Medicare or are considered disabled under SSI. OR

    • You are a veteran who is totally disabled, permanently homebound, or in need of regular aid and attendance. OR

    • You are the surviving spouse or child of a veteran who is receiving VA benefits and is considered permanently disabled.

Am I eligible for SNAP?

  • Your household must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. You must apply through your state SNAP agency or local SNAP office. If your state agency determines that you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive benefits back to the date you submitted your application.

How do I apply for SNAP?

  • You must apply for SNAP in the state where you currently live. Because each state has a different application form and process, a member of your household must contact your state agency directly to apply.

  • You can contact your state agency by visiting your local SNAP office, visiting your state agency’s website, or calling your state’s toll-free SNAP Information hotline. Some states have online applications that can be completed from the state agency website.

Where can I get my state Information?

  • If you are unable to go to your local SNAP office or do not have access to the internet, you may have another person act as an authorized representative by applying and being interviewed on your behalf. You must designate the authorized representative in writing.

Note: Please contact your SNAP state agency directly to apply and to request information about the status of your application. FNS does not process applications or have access to case information.

What happens when I apply for SNAP?

  • In most cases, once you submit your application, your state agency or local SNAP office will process it and send you a notice telling you whether you are eligible for benefits within 30 days.

  • During the 30 days, you will need to complete an eligibility interview and give proof (verification) of the information you provided. The interview is typically completed over the telephone or in-person. If you are found eligible, you will receive benefits based on the date you submitted your application.

  • You may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits within 7 days of your application date if you meet additional requirements. For example, if your household has less than $100 in liquid resources and $150 in monthly gross income, or if your household’s combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than what you pay each month for rent or mortgage and utilities expenses. Contact your state agency for additional details.

How do I receive SNAP benefits?

If you are found eligible, you will receive SNAP benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are automatically loaded into your account each month. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries at authorized food stores and retailers.

For how long with I receive SNAP?

If you are found eligible, you will receive a notice that tells you how long you will receive SNAP benefits for; this is called your certification period. Before your certification period ends, you will receive another notice that says you must recertify to continue receiving benefits. Your local SNAP office will provide you with information about how to recertify.

Who is in a SNAP household?

  • Everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together is grouped together as one SNAP household.

  • Some people who live together, such as spouses and most children under age 22, are included in the same SNAP household, even if they purchase and prepare meals separately.

  • If a person is 60 years of age or older and unable to purchase and prepare meals separately because of a permanent disability, the person and the person's spouse may be a separate SNAP household if the others they live with do not have very much income (no more than 165 percent of the poverty level).

  • Normally you are not eligible for SNAP benefits if an institution gives you most of your meals. However, there is one exception for elderly persons and one for disabled persons:

    • Residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly may be eligible for SNAP benefits, even if they receive their meals at the facility.

    • Disabled persons who live in certain nonprofit group living arrangements (small group homes with no more than 16 residents) may be eligible for SNAP benefits, even if the group home prepares their meals for them.