I just pay $400.00 each month to my room mate. Got a letter saying I was denied food stamp because 0 rent

Q) I have been getting snap benefits. I didn’t get my 6 month paperwork in the mail so they didn’t re-up me. I had to go in a fill out the paperwork. I don’t pay a certain amount on each bill. I just pay $400.00 each month to my room mate. I put that on the paperwork. Well, I got a letter saying I was denied because 0 rent…0 utilities…0 everything. What can I do? I am in dire need. Please help.

A) It’s possible that the reason you were denied Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is that you reported that you do not pay any rent. In general, when determining SNAP eligibility, the amount of rent you pay is considered when calculating your income and expenses. If you reported that you pay $0 in rent, this may have caused your income to appear higher than it actually is, which could affect your eligibility for SNAP benefits.

If you are actually paying $400 each month in rent to your roommate, you should report this to your local SNAP office as soon as possible. You can provide documentation such as a rental agreement or cancelled checks to show that you are paying rent.

It’s also important to note that there are other eligibility criteria for SNAP, such as income limits, household size, and citizenship or legal residency status. If you meet these criteria and can show that you are paying rent, you may still be eligible for SNAP benefits.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your SNAP application or eligibility determination, you can contact your local SNAP office or visit their website for more information.

You do need a document saying that you pay the $400.00 each month to your room mate for rent. You may need to ask your roommate to create a lease document showing that you do pay rent.

House hold Income for Food Stamp (SNAP) Benefits.

Households have to meet income tests unless all members are receiving TANF, SSI, or in some places general assistance. Most households must meet both the gross and net income tests, but a household with an elderly person or a person who is receiving certain types of disability payments only has to meet the net income test. Households, except those noted, that have income over the amounts listed below cannot get SNAP benefits.

(Oct. 1, 2016 through Sept. 30, 2017)

Gross income means a household’s total, non excluded income, before any deductions have been made. Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions.

* SNAP gross and net income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.