Do you qualify for SNAP Food Stamps?
In order to receive SNAP Food Stamps you need to apply, you can get started with how to apply on this website. You can also go to your local SNAP office to receive assistance with your application.
Determining your eligibility for this program will depend on many factors. These include your gross income, your resources and it will depend on the number of people in your household. Your residency and citizenship status will also determine qualification.
U.S. citizens are eligible, but many legal aliens qualify for SNAP Food Stamps too. Those members of a household that are eligible to receive benefits will not be affected by any members of your household that cannot receive benefits. If you would like additional information about immigrant SNAP eligibility please see this website.
Screening for SNAP Food Stamps
Some people would like to prescreen their eligibility prior to apply for SNAP benefits. There are a few ways to do this. Please note, pre-screening is NOT an application, you must separately apply to receive benefits. The USDA provides an online pre-screening tool to help determine if you are eligible for benefits. This tool will also give an estimate of the amount of benefit you may receive. You can access the USDA pre-screening tool here.
If you need assistance in using the USDA's pre-screening tool, a tutorial is available here.
Many states vary on food stamp eligibility criteria, and the only way to determine if you qualify is to find out your state's specific eligibility criteria. Please view the following 'Just the Facts' video about qualifying for SNAP Food Stamps.
Florida Eligibility Requirements
Residency
In order to receive benefits under Food Assistance and SUNCAP, one has to be a resident of state of Florida.
Citizenship
Only U.S. citizen or noncitizen with qualified status can receive benefits under Food Assistance Program and SUNCAP.
Social Security Number
Individuals seeking aid through Food Assistance Program will have to ensure that they are providing their Social Security Number. In case of individuals being under 22, a proof that they have applied for SSN will be enough.
Work Rules
Applicants, not working or participating in a workfare program and between the age of 18 and 50, will only be eligible to receive food assistance for 3 months during each 3-year period.
Household status
Individuals, buying and cooking food together, seeking food assistance through this program will have to be considered one household for the purpose of this program.
Income and Deductions
In order to qualify for Food Assistance Program and SUNCAP, a household should have gross income 200% of the Federal Poverty Level while net income should be 100% of Federal Poverty Level. However, if a household has a disqualified member, it will have to meet a gross income test at 130% of Federal Poverty Level.
A household will have to subtract certain deductions and expenses from its gross income in order to determine right income for the purpose of this program. Allowed deductions include:
- 20% straight deduction from income earned
- Deduction of $147 for a 1-3 person household
- Deduction of $155 for a 4 member household
- Deduction of $181 for a 5 member household
- Deduction of $208 for a 6 member household
- Cost of child care for working parents
- Medical expenses above $35 for disabled and elderly household members
- Shelter and utility costs
Child Support Payment
In order to obtain food assistance for children, parents or relatives will have to cooperate with Child Support Enforcement Office. If parents or relatives do not cooperate with the office without a genuine cause, food assistance through this program will not be possible.
Resources
Individuals already eligible for Supplemental Security Income or Temporary Cash Assistance will automatically qualify for resources eligibility. On the other hand, households with a disqualified member should not have more than $2,000 in assets. Whereas, a member of a household is elderly or disabled, household can have assets up to $3,250 and still qualify for Food Assistance Program.
Some assets don't count when calculating resources for a household. These include home, household items, burial plot (one for each member of household), life insurance policies, and one vehicle per household.
Can Students receive benefits from Food Assistance Program and SUNCAP?
Typically, students are not eligible to receive assistance through this program. However, if a student is mentally or physically ill, receives Temporary Cash Assistance, participates in State or Federal government sponsored work and study program, or taking care of a person under the age of 6 in household will be allowed to apply for Food Assistance Program.
What kind of food can you buy?
Households qualifying for Food Assistance Program will be able to buy different kinds of foods including diary, poultry, meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, cereals, bread, and even seeds for growing your own food. However, households will be unable to buy pet food, grooming items, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or medicines with Food Assistance Program.