Difference between revisions of "Calculate Amount of Food Stamps"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Determining How Much Assistance You Qualify For === | === Determining How Much Assistance You Qualify For === | ||
| − | #Determine your resources on hand. Households may have $2,250 in countable resources, such as a bank account, or $3,250 in countable resources if at least one person is age 60 or older, or is disabled.<ref>http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility#Income</ref> Select states may also consider the worth of a vehicle as a countable resource.<ref | + | #Determine your resources on hand. Households may have $2,250 in countable resources, such as a bank account, or $3,250 in countable resources if at least one person is age 60 or older, or is disabled.<ref name="rf1">http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility#Income</ref> Select states may also consider the worth of a vehicle as a countable resource.<ref name="rf1" /> Check with your local SNAP office for details regarding your state. |
#* Select retirement plans may also count as a resource. You can find a complete list of said retirement plans [http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/pensions.pdf here]. | #* Select retirement plans may also count as a resource. You can find a complete list of said retirement plans [http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/pensions.pdf here]. | ||
| − | #* Resources that are not countable include a home and lot, the resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the resources of people who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and excluded retirement or pension plans.<ref | + | #* Resources that are not countable include a home and lot, the resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the resources of people who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and excluded retirement or pension plans.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Determine your gross income. Gross income is your household's monthly total income from all sources before removing allowable deductions (deductions discussed below). Total income includes money made from work, money paid from disability payments, and money received from child support. | #Determine your gross income. Gross income is your household's monthly total income from all sources before removing allowable deductions (deductions discussed below). Total income includes money made from work, money paid from disability payments, and money received from child support. | ||
#Compare your gross income to the qualification limits. Your household must not be above the gross income limits to qualify for the benefits. The gross monthly income limits depend on the size of the household, and the limits are calculated based on the federal poverty guidelines. As of 2015, the gross monthly income limits are: | #Compare your gross income to the qualification limits. Your household must not be above the gross income limits to qualify for the benefits. The gross monthly income limits depend on the size of the household, and the limits are calculated based on the federal poverty guidelines. As of 2015, the gross monthly income limits are: | ||
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#* 8 member household: $4,344 | #* 8 member household: $4,344 | ||
#* For more than 8 household members, add an additional $440 per extra member | #* For more than 8 household members, add an additional $440 per extra member | ||
| − | #* The above figures are good only for 2015. If you are trying to figure out gross income limits after 2015, visit the [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fact-sheet-resources-income-and-benefits USDA website].<ref>http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fact-sheet-resources-income-and-benefits</ref> | + | #* The above figures are good only for 2015. If you are trying to figure out gross income limits after 2015, visit the [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fact-sheet-resources-income-and-benefits USDA website].<ref name="rf2">http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fact-sheet-resources-income-and-benefits</ref> |
#Subtract allowable deductions from your gross income. To qualify for benefits, your household must also be at or below the net income limit, which is the gross amount minus allowable deductions. Like with the gross amount, the net amount depends on the household’s net income based on the poverty line for the household size. The allowable deductions and their amounts include: | #Subtract allowable deductions from your gross income. To qualify for benefits, your household must also be at or below the net income limit, which is the gross amount minus allowable deductions. Like with the gross amount, the net amount depends on the household’s net income based on the poverty line for the household size. The allowable deductions and their amounts include: | ||
#*All households can deduct 20% of earned income. Additionally, you can remove the standard deduction of $142 for households with 1 to 3 members and $153 for households with more than 3 members. | #*All households can deduct 20% of earned income. Additionally, you can remove the standard deduction of $142 for households with 1 to 3 members and $153 for households with more than 3 members. | ||
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#* For each member over 8, add $146 per month for each extra member | #* For each member over 8, add $146 per month for each extra member | ||
=== Applying for and Receiving Benefits === | === Applying for and Receiving Benefits === | ||
| − | #Locate your SNAP office. If you are eligible, use the [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/map.htm interactive map] provided by the Department of Agriculture to locate your local office. Just click on your state on the map.<ref>http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/map.htm</ref> | + | #Locate your SNAP office. If you are eligible, use the [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/map.htm interactive map] provided by the Department of Agriculture to locate your local office. Just click on your state on the map.<ref name="rf3">http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/map.htm</ref> |
| − | #* Your local Social Security office can also help you if you have or are applying for SSI benefits, such as retirement or disability benefits. They have the forms and can send them to the SNAP office. If you don't have SSI, however, you'll need to go to the SNAP office in person.<ref>http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10101.pdf</ref> | + | #* Your local Social Security office can also help you if you have or are applying for SSI benefits, such as retirement or disability benefits. They have the forms and can send them to the SNAP office. If you don't have SSI, however, you'll need to go to the SNAP office in person.<ref name="rf4">http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10101.pdf</ref> |
#Follow the instructions provided by your local SNAP office. Several states allow residents to apply online. Others will allow you to download and print an application, call to have one mailed to you, or pick one up in person. Each state’s application will differ, but the type of information requested will the same. It will include: | #Follow the instructions provided by your local SNAP office. Several states allow residents to apply online. Others will allow you to download and print an application, call to have one mailed to you, or pick one up in person. Each state’s application will differ, but the type of information requested will the same. It will include: | ||
#*Household financial information, such as money spent on rent, house payments, heating and cooling, other utilities, cash on hand or money in a bank account, and income from work or other sources, such as Social Security, disability, child support, or unemployment benefits. | #*Household financial information, such as money spent on rent, house payments, heating and cooling, other utilities, cash on hand or money in a bank account, and income from work or other sources, such as Social Security, disability, child support, or unemployment benefits. | ||
#*Government benefits you get now or have received in the past (for example, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, or veteran's benefits). | #*Government benefits you get now or have received in the past (for example, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, or veteran's benefits). | ||
#*Medical information for you and/or the people who reside in your household. | #*Medical information for you and/or the people who reside in your household. | ||
| − | #*You can check to see if your state has an online application via the [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply USDA website].<ref>http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply</ref> | + | #*You can check to see if your state has an online application via the [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply USDA website].<ref name="rf5">http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply</ref> |
#Submit your application. Submit your application through the mail, in person, or online if allowed in your state. If you turn your application in at the office and in person, you may be automatically screened for expedited processing, which can usher you through the process in as little as five days. | #Submit your application. Submit your application through the mail, in person, or online if allowed in your state. If you turn your application in at the office and in person, you may be automatically screened for expedited processing, which can usher you through the process in as little as five days. | ||
| − | #*If you have less than $100 in your bank account, you may be eligible for emergency SNAP benefits, which will help you receive benefits within seven days.<ref>http://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/html/services/snap_applying.shtml</ref> | + | #*If you have less than $100 in your bank account, you may be eligible for emergency SNAP benefits, which will help you receive benefits within seven days.<ref name="rf6">http://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/html/services/snap_applying.shtml</ref> |
| − | #*Regardless of how you apply, you should generally receive your benefits within thirty days. You will receive benefits starting from your application date if you are approved. For example, if you applied on March 1st and did not get your benefits until March 25th, you will be credited for March 1-25. If you have not heard from the SNAP office regarding your eligibility within thirty days, contact your local office.<ref>http://www.gettingfoodstamps.org/faqsaboutsnap.html</ref> | + | #*Regardless of how you apply, you should generally receive your benefits within thirty days. You will receive benefits starting from your application date if you are approved. For example, if you applied on March 1st and did not get your benefits until March 25th, you will be credited for March 1-25. If you have not heard from the SNAP office regarding your eligibility within thirty days, contact your local office.<ref name="rf7">http://www.gettingfoodstamps.org/faqsaboutsnap.html</ref> |
#Schedule and attend an interview. At your interview, you will need to provide certain documentation of your financial situation. Required documentation may include: | #Schedule and attend an interview. At your interview, you will need to provide certain documentation of your financial situation. Required documentation may include: | ||
#*Proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or state or military identification card. | #*Proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or state or military identification card. | ||
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#*Proof of medical expenses, especially if you are age sixty or older or you receive federal disability benefits. You can use documents such as doctor or hospital bills, prescription receipts, receipts for over-the-counter medical expenses (if prescribed by a medical practitioner), and transportation costs to get medical care. | #*Proof of medical expenses, especially if you are age sixty or older or you receive federal disability benefits. You can use documents such as doctor or hospital bills, prescription receipts, receipts for over-the-counter medical expenses (if prescribed by a medical practitioner), and transportation costs to get medical care. | ||
#*Proof of childcare expenses if you are working, looking for work, or participating in workforce training. | #*Proof of childcare expenses if you are working, looking for work, or participating in workforce training. | ||
| − | #Obtain your EBT card. If you've met all the requirements and passed the interview, you will receive notification of your imminent benefits. You'll receive a plastic electronic card (an EBT card) through the mail that you can use when shopping. It can take up to thirty days to receive.<ref>http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/PG847.htm</ref> | + | #Obtain your EBT card. If you've met all the requirements and passed the interview, you will receive notification of your imminent benefits. You'll receive a plastic electronic card (an EBT card) through the mail that you can use when shopping. It can take up to thirty days to receive.<ref name="rf8">http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/PG847.htm</ref> |
| − | #*The card system works automatically. As long as you have your card and remain eligible, you should receive benefits.<ref>http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/eligibility.htm</ref> | + | #*The card system works automatically. As long as you have your card and remain eligible, you should receive benefits.<ref name="rf9">http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/eligibility.htm</ref> |
| − | #Follow the rules to retain your SNAP benefits. To retain your benefits, you must follow the specified rules and periodically recertify your benefits. The main rule for SNAP benefits pertains to what you can purchase. If you try to purchase non-approved items, you may be penalized, or your benefits may be taken away in some cases. The [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items USDA website] includes information on approved and non-approved items.<ref>http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items</ref> | + | #Follow the rules to retain your SNAP benefits. To retain your benefits, you must follow the specified rules and periodically recertify your benefits. The main rule for SNAP benefits pertains to what you can purchase. If you try to purchase non-approved items, you may be penalized, or your benefits may be taken away in some cases. The [http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items USDA website] includes information on approved and non-approved items.<ref name="rf10">http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items</ref> |
| − | #Recertify your SNAP benefits. To rectify your benefits, you must report to your local SNAP office. Recertification times can range from once a month to once a year. If you do not recertify your benefits, they will be cancelled, and you will have to reapply.<ref>http://www.gettingfoodstamps.org/recertification.html</ref> | + | #Recertify your SNAP benefits. To rectify your benefits, you must report to your local SNAP office. Recertification times can range from once a month to once a year. If you do not recertify your benefits, they will be cancelled, and you will have to reapply.<ref name="rf11">http://www.gettingfoodstamps.org/recertification.html</ref> |
#* Most families who have regularly earned income must recertify once a year. Your caseworker will tell you how often you must recertify based on your specific facts and situation. | #* Most families who have regularly earned income must recertify once a year. Your caseworker will tell you how often you must recertify based on your specific facts and situation. | ||
#* If your situation has changed at all since you last reported, you may have to submit verification documents. For instance, if your income has gone down and you need to receive more benefits, you may need to submit proof of income. | #* If your situation has changed at all since you last reported, you may have to submit verification documents. For instance, if your income has gone down and you need to receive more benefits, you may need to submit proof of income. | ||
