If your grocery bill feels higher than it did a year ago, trust us – you’re not imagining it. The cost of groceries continues to rise, and many families find it hard to catch up.
If you’re living on a fixed income or finding it difficult to make ends meet, you may be looking for ways to lower your grocery bills. Even just a few dollars in savings every trip can really add up. Food prices have increased over time, and many families are still trying to catch up.
Enter: SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called “food stamps,” is a program that helps millions of Americans afford food and groceries each month. Benefits can be used to buy a variety of healthy foods.
Want to know more about it? Keep reading to see what it can cover, how to qualify, and what kinds of foods you can usually get. And if you still want more specifics, you can download our free guide.
SNAP 101: What It Is, And What It Can Do
The federal government runs many different assistance programs designed to help families who experience financial difficulties. One of the largest programs out there is SNAP, which is still called “food stamps” by many.
It’s the largest food assistance program offered, and is overseen at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each state manages its own application process and distributes SNAP benefits to qualified residents.
Today, instead of paper coupons, families that get approved can receive benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer card, or EBT card. It works like a regular debit card, but it can only be used for approved food items at participating stores.
The main goal of SNAP is simple: to help families make sure they know where their next meal is coming from, and help households afford nutritious food. It’s not an end-all, be-all, and won’t cover the total cost of groceries. But, it can still make a difference when used the right way.
How SNAP Benefits Work Every Month
Once you’re approved, your state’s SNAP agency will determine how much money you qualify for in assistance. Then, your SNAP benefits get loaded onto an EBT card each month.
The amount you can receive depends on several key factors:
- How many family members are living in your home
- How much money you make (total amount for all working people)
- How many allowable expenses you pay (like rent or energy bills)
- Whether anyone in the household is elderly or has a disability
Each state sets its own schedule for when SNAP benefits go out. Once yours are loaded, you should be able to swipe your EBT card at any participating grocery store, supermarket, or farmers’ market.
And, if you prefer to order your groceries online, you just may be able to use your EBT card to do it. More and more stores are giving this option across the country.
When you’re ready to check out, simply tap, swipe, or insert your EBT card and enter the PIN you chose. The grocery store’s system should automatically separate eligible food items from non-eligible items. If you purchase both approved and non-approved items, you can typically pay the rest with cash, a different debit card, or another form of payment.
Any unused SNAP benefits usually roll over to the next month. But be careful – they must be used within a certain time frame or they can expire.
What Foods Can You Buy With SNAP?
SNAP benefits are designed cover most – but not all – staple grocery items. A “staple” food is something that is generally used consistently, or for many different types of meals. So, if it’s food that you prepare and eat at home, there is a good chance it’s approved under SNAP.
Here are a few examples of SNAP-approved food items:
- Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Bread, rice, pasta, and cereal
- Snack foods like chips and crackers
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that grow food for your household
That last item surprises some people. You can use SNAP benefits to buy seeds and plants that produce food, such as tomato plants or herb starters. It’s a small detail, but for families who enjoy gardening, it can stretch food dollars even further.
The program encourages “healthy” items, but you can still buy some kid-approved snacks. It’s important to note that many states are recently adopting laws that limit the purchase of certain sugary drinks and snacks, so it’s important to check with your state first.
Non-Approved SNAP Items
There are some things that you cannot use SNAP funds to purchase. Knowing about these restrictions can help you avoid confusion at the checkout counter.
Generally, SNAP does not cover:
- Alcohol or tobacco products
- Vitamins, supplements, or medicines
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies or paper products
- Household goods like soap or toothpaste
- Hot prepared foods that are ready to eat in the store
In most states, you can’t use SNAP to purchase food that is hot and ready to eat at the point of sale, like rotisserie chicken from the deli counter. However, there are limited exceptions in some states for certain groups of people, such as elderly or disabled individuals.
Since rules can differ between states, it’s always a good idea to check with your local SNAP office if you are unsure about a specific item.
How to Qualify for SNAP
SNAP eligibility is mainly based on income and household size. Every year, the government sets the income limits, and states use those income guidelines when they’re reviewing applications.
In general, to qualify for SNAP, your household must meet the following criteria:
- Have a gross monthly income at or below the established limit
- Have a net income at or below the established limit (after certain deductions)
- Have resources that fall beneath the limit (if a state has a resource limit)
Deductions can include a portion of rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, child care costs, and some medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members.
So, who can usually participate in SNAP? Here are the common types of families and individuals that may be able to qualify:
- Working families with low salaries
- Seniors living on Social Security
- Individuals with disabilities
- Unemployed people actively seeking work
- Part-time workers or gig workers with fluctuating incomes
Even if you think you earn too much money, it may still be worth applying, especially since the criteria can change every year. Many people are surprised to learn they qualify after the deductions are considered.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
To apply for SNAP, you need to complete an application with your state’s SNAP agency, which is usually run by the human services or social services agency. Most states allow you to apply online, but you can often apply by mail or in person if you’d prefer that.
While every state has different application processes, here’s what’s usually involved:
- Completing an application form
- Submitting proof of identity
- Providing proof of income
- Providing documentation for expenses such as rent or utilities
- Participating in a brief interview, usually over the phone
After the state reviews your application, you should get a decision notice. If approved, your EBT card can be mailed to you with instructions on how to activate it.
Always respond quickly to any requests for additional documents. Delays in providing paperwork can slow down the approval process.
Managing SNAP Benefits and Remaining Eligible
After getting approved and starting to use SNAP benefits, you may need to complete periodic recertifications. This means confirming that your income, family size, and monthly expenses have not changed.
All changes need to be reported to the agency, like:
- A significant increase in income
- A new household member
- A change of address
If you don’t report the changes, your SNAP benefits could be impacted. In some cases, you may fall out of eligibility and need to pay back the benefits that were given to you.
Most states have online portals or mobile apps where you can check your EBT balance, review transactions, and manage your case file.
Conclusion
Grocery costs can put pressure on your budget, especially when your income is limited or changes frequently. SNAP can help by covering the cost of everyday food items, leaving more room in the budget for other essentials.
If you think your household might qualify, it’s worth taking the time to explore your options. Even a modest monthly benefit can ease financial strain and make it easier to put food on the table.
Want more information about SNAP, like state benefit levels and income limits? Download the free Food Stamps guide today.
By Admin –