The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available for residents who meet specific qualifications. SNAP benefits provide recipients with funds to purchase food for themselves and members of their households.
However, unlike other government assistance programs, these benefits can only be used on certain approved food products and at certain locations.
Being part of SNAP also provides beneficiaries with additional resources. For example, low-income households may be eligible for less expensive cable, internet, and phone services as well as cheaper auto insurance.
Likewise, other government funding may be accessible for SNAP recipients who apply and are eligible for available state or federal programs.
About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP is available for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Applicants must meet the income and resource requirements as well.
Residents seeking SNAP benefits must earn less than a certain annual income for their household size. Typically, households with more members can earn higher incomes and still qualify for the program.
Additionally, income contributes to determining the amount that a family will receive in benefits each month.
When applying for SNAP, residents will receive deductions from their gross income automatically. A 20 percent deduction is typically included for all applicants. It is a standard deduction that factors in household size and excess shelter costs.
Typically, the shelter cost includes mortgage payments, rent, and/or utility bills. In certain states, a specific amount is deducted for utility costs rather than the amount of the bills.
While receiving SNAP benefits, beneficiaries must participate in work-related activities if they are not already employed.
These activities must generally be done for at least 20 hours per week. However, certain recipients are exempt from these requirements. Those who are excluded include:
- Pregnant women.
- Children.
- Seniors.
- Disabled residents.
Beneficiaries who are not exempt from work-related activities must regularly complete this requirement if they want to continue receiving SNAP benefits.
Those who do not complete these work requirements will only be able to receive benefits for a limited amount of time.
Learn About the Benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Program
Under SNAP, you will be able to purchase a variety of foods to feed yourself and your family. However, these funds will not permit you to buy any non-food items, prepared foods that can be consumed immediately, live animals, liquor, medicine or vitamins.
Benefits received from the SNAP program can only be used to purchase eligible food items.
Recipients are able to purchase other types of food besides those listed below, but should verify with their state’s SNAP program on which foods are applicable. Eligible food items include:
- Cereal.
- Dairy.
- Bread.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry and fish.
- Seeds and plants that produce food.
- Certain snack items.
After being accepted into the food stamps program, you can start receiving benefits within 30 days of your application submission. However, if you earn a very low income or no income, you may be able to receive benefits sooner.
You may begin receiving benefits in as little as seven days from your application submission date.
Once accepted, beneficiaries can begin using their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to purchase groceries. This card functions like a debit card and can be used at registers in qualifying grocery stores and supermarkets.
Many states permit recipients to use their benefits at certain farmers’ markets as well.
Beneficiaries receive their funds on the same day each month. However, this specific day is dependent on the state and the details of its SNAP program.
Many states use a resident’s name or Social Security Number to determine which day he or she will receive a new deposit on their EBT card.
Below, you can learn about discount programs, federal assistance, and how to obtain cheap health coverage.
Find Out About Cheap Cable and Internet and Other Services for Low-Income Households
Many low-income households qualify to receive cheap cable and internet services. Several cable providers offer packages that are affordable or discounted.
Moreover, the federal Lifeline program can assist in paying for internet as long as recipients meet the income requirements.
If they qualify for other income-based government assistance programs such as Medicaid or SNAP, they can automatically qualify for Lifeline benefits.
Unfortunately, it is more difficult to find a car insurance policy at a low cost. However, numerous discounts can be applied to a new or existing policy to reduce the monthly premium.
One way to begin paying less for car insurance is to examine your current coverage and reduce your coverage if it covers more than what you need.
A minimum coverage policy may be all that you need, and it might even cost less. You can also ask your car insurance agent about any discounts that you qualify for.
You may also qualify to receive home loans at special rates if you are low-income. Government-backed home loan programs enable you to purchase a home with a low credit score and often without the contribution of a down payment.
Learn About Government Loans for Houses and Other Federal Assistance
A government grant is federal funding that does not have to be repaid. This funding is most often provided to local and state programs and organizations rather than individual benefit recipients.
The organizations that receive these grants can then use the money to create programs and other forms of assistance to needy members of the state or local community.
These organizations usually do not provide low-income households with money directly. Rather, they offer qualifying applicants resources to help them save money.
For instance, different programs created by these organizations enable recipients to purchase food, afford shelter, and/or reduce their utility and medical bills. While not always referred to as a ‘grant,’ they function similarly.
Some examples of these programs include:
- Medicaid.
- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
- The Housing Choice Voucher Program (often referred to as Section 8).
About Cheap Health Insurance
Cheap health insurance may feel difficult to obtain, but there are several resources for low-income residents who need health coverage.
These resources include Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance from the HealthCare.gov website.
Both Medicare and Medicaid are health coverage options offered by the federal government. However, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements before they can receive health care services.
It is possible to qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and, thus, further reduce health care costs.
To qualify for Medicaid, residents must meet low-income requirements. The income requirements vary based on the number of members in the household, as well as certain medical conditions like pregnancy and disabilities.
After acceptance into the program, they can get access to a variety of health services at little to no cost.
Conversely, Medicare is for senior residents and those who have certain qualifying disabilities. Medicare recipients may be dually eligible for Medicare if they meet the requirements for both programs.
Alternatively, you may be able to find insurance through the HealthCare.gov website if you do not qualify for either Medicare or Medicaid.
You will be required to provide your Social Security Number along with other personal information when enrolling. On the website, you will find quotes for different insurance policies.
Health insurance plans are subject to different costs, including a monthly premium, an annual deductible and copayments for services.
An insurance plan with a high monthly premium may have lower out-of-pocket costs, while a lower-premium plan may have a higher deductible and more expensive copayments.
It is important to weigh the ultimate cost for coverage before enrolling in a plan.
