I want to know if I can add a homeless person to my SNAP. She came off the street, wanting food, and she’s sick. I’m trying to nurse her back to health.

Adding someone to your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be complex and depends on your specific circumstances and relationship with the person.

Here are the rules that typically determine whether you can add someone to your SNAP household:

• Definition of a SNAP Household: A SNAP household consists of all individuals who live together and customarily purchase and prepare food together. They do not have to be related.
• A Separate Household: If the person you are helping will be purchasing and preparing food separately from you, they would likely need to apply for their own SNAP benefits. They would be considered a separate household, even if living temporarily in your home.
• The “Roomer/Boarder” Rule: If you are charging this person for room and board (even if it’s just a small amount to cover food costs), they may be considered a boarder and would not be eligible to be included in your SNAP household.

To get a definitive answer and ensure you are following the proper procedures, you should contact your local state or county SNAP office. They can provide guidance based on the official rules in your area and the specific situation (especially considering she is temporarily sick and you are nursing her back to health).

Next Steps for Assistance

Here are some searches that can help you find the necessary contact information and other resources: That is very kind of you to help this person. Since she is sick, her immediate health needs are the most important.

Regarding your SNAP benefits, it’s best to contact your local office directly, as the rules can be nuanced, especially in temporary situations like this.

1. Contact Your Local SNAP Office

To find out the specific rules about adding her to your household, you will need to contact the agency that manages SNAP (often called the Division of Family and Children Services or Department of Social Services/Human Services) in your state.

• You can search for the “[Your State] SNAP office” or “[Your County] SNAP contact.”
• They will clarify if your household qualifies as a single unit (people who live together and customarily purchase and prepare meals together), or if she would need to apply as a separate household.

2. Immediate Food and Health Resources

Given that she is sick, here are some resources that can offer immediate help with food and medical care outside of your SNAP case:

• Call 2-1-1: This is a free, confidential service that can connect you to local resources for food, shelter, health care, and other social services in your area. They are often the best starting point for finding local assistance.
• Community Health Centers: These centers provide medical care, often on a sliding scale based on ability to pay, or for free. They are vital for people who are homeless or uninsured.
• Food Banks and Pantries: She may be able to get emergency food from a local food bank or pantry immediately. You can search for a Feeding America food bank near you.

3. Applying for Her Own Assistance

Even if she can’t be added to your SNAP, you can help her apply for her own benefits, which may include:

• SNAP (as a single household): As a person experiencing homelessness, she may have streamlined eligibility for SNAP benefits.
• Medicaid: If she is sick, she likely needs health insurance. Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to people with low income.