SNAP: A Safety Net Against Hunger

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, ensures that millions of at-risk Americans are able to afford a nutritious diet each month. Most SNAP recipients are low-income families with small children, senior citizens, or individuals with disabilities. The cost of SNAP benefits is borne by the federal government while states share in the cost of operating and administering the program.

Who Qualifies for SNAP Benefits?

The basic qualifications and benefit levels of the SNAP program are set by the federal government; however, individual states do have the ability to adjust certain criteria, such as the value of the vehicle that an applicant may own and still receive benefits. To receive SNAP benefits, an individual or family must meet the following criteria:

- The household gross monthly income must not exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty level.
- After allowed deductions are taken into account, the household net monthly income cannot exceed the federal poverty level.
- Household assets, such as bank accounts, must be below specified limits.

Families that include an elderly person or an individual receiving certain disability benefits only have to meet the net income test and are allowed to have more in assets. The current income and asset guidelines are available on the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service website.

Who Does Not Qualify for SNAP Benefits?

The following individuals are excluded from receiving SNAP benefits regardless of their income:

- the majority of college students,
- striking workers,
- undocumented immigrants,
- certain legal immigrants.

Work Requirement:

An unemployed, able-bodied adult who does not have children is typically limited to three months of SNAP benefits unless they are participating in a qualified job training or workfare program or working a minimum of 20 hours per week. During times of sustained high unemployment, states can submit information to the U.S. Department of Labor to obtain a waiver allowing them to extend the benefit period.

More than half of SNAP families with at least one able-bodied, working-age adult work while receiving benefits. Approximately two-thirds of SNAP recipients are elderly, disabled, or children who are not expected to work.

What Is the Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount?

The maximum benefit amount through September 2017 ranges from $142 for a single individual to $1,169 for a family of eight. The actual SNAP benefit amount takes into consideration household size and income and assumes that 30 percent of the family's net income will be devoted to food.

The benefit formula makes up the difference between the family's 30 percent contribution and the cost of a nutritionally adequate diet under the Thrifty Food Plan established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For example, a family of three with a net monthly income of $800 would be expected to contribute $240 toward food. The Thrifty Food Plan estimates that the family would need a total of $511 a monthly for an adequate diet, which means that the family would receive SNAP benefits of $271 per month.

How SNAP Benefits Can Be Used:

According to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, SNAP benefits can only be used for food and food products that are intended for consumption in the home. Plants and seeds that produce food are also eligible purchases. Examples of items that can be purchased using SNAP benefits include breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, and dairy products.

Benefits cannot be used to purchases nonfood items, tobacco products, alcohol, or vitamins and medicines. As a general rule, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot foods or foods meant to be eaten in the store. In some locations, restaurants may be authorized to accept SNAP benefits to provide low-cost meals to elderly, disabled, or homeless individuals.

There is no prohibition against using SNAP benefits to purchase items that are typically considered junk food or luxury items. For example, cookies and steak are both considered eligible purchases. Although the issue has been the subject of much debate since the founding of the program, Congress has determined that placing limits on these types of purchases would be too costly and burdensome to enforce.

Applying for SNAP Benefits:

Each state has its own application process for SNAP benefits. If you think that you may qualify, you should contact your state's SNAP hotline number. The majority of states also allow online applications.