I moved and my husband lost his job. I have 5 teenagers in the home; how do i update my application to receive more food stamps?
Q) I moved and my husband lost his job. I have 5 teenagers in the home; how do i update my application to receive more food stamps?
A) To update your application for food stamps, you will need to contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or the agency that handles food stamps in your state. You can usually find contact information on your state’s government website or by calling the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).
When you contact your local DSS, explain your situation and provide them with any documentation that shows your change in circumstances, such as proof of your new address and your husband’s job loss. They will likely ask you to fill out a form or provide this information over the phone to update your application.
Once your application is updated, they will reassess your eligibility and let you know if you qualify for more food stamp benefits. It’s important to keep in mind that the amount of benefits you receive is based on your household size, income, and expenses, so it may vary depending on your specific situation.
Please call or visit your local food stamp benefits and inform them about the change in your finances due to your husband losing his job. You may be eligible for more food stamp benefits.
Do I Qualify for Food Stamps?
How many people are in your household? To be eligible for SNAP, first figure out the total number of people in your household — the total household income must be below a certain number based on the number of people in the household.
What are your resources? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, households may have $2,250 in countable resources or assets — that can include a bank account, but does not include benefits from SSI, TANF or any pension plans. Households may also have $3,500 in countable resources if at least one person is over the age of 60 or is disabled.
What is your gross monthly income? The maximum gross monthly income is 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and the maximum net monthly income is 100 percent of the federal poverty level. For instance, if your household only consists of one person, then the gross monthly income to be eligible for SNAP is $1,287 (net $990). For two people, gross is $1,726, net is $1,335. The net income is determined by subtracting all acceptable deductions from your gross income.
What does your employment look like? There are employment requirements, which include not intentionally leaving a job or reducing hours to qualify. They do not apply to everyone, and each state can use these as guidelines.
Are you unemployed? You must be registered to work, and you must also take a job if offered. Depending on the state, you might also be asked to participate in state-run employment and training programs.
Are you unemployed and considered an “Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWDs)? If so, you are limited to three months of benefits over the course of 36 months unless it’s proved that you are working or participating in education or training activities at least 80 hours per month, or participating in a workforce program.
Are you elderly, disabled, pregnant or under the age of 18? If so, you might be the exception to employment requirements.
Are you a non-citizen? Non-citizens can apply for SNAP benefits if they are lawfully admitted for permanent residence, asylees, parolees, deportation withhold status, conditional entrants, Cuban or Haitian entrants, battered non-citizens, refugees, trafficking victims, Iraqi or Afghan special immigrants, Hmong or Highland Laotian tribal members, or certain American Indians born abroad. Source: https://eligibility.com/food-stamps