Author: Artem Hihach
What is SNAP?
The Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) known as food stamps, to its senior, disabled and low-income citizens. SNAP is a supplemental program created to assist individuals and families in purchasing healthy food.
How Can I Apply For Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is strictly for Americans or alien living under certain conditions. The USDA National Map, lists regional offices and qualifications for each state.
Furthermore, the application for requirements for each state is different. If the application form for your state is not available online, you can reach your local SNAP office to obtain one. However, do not contact the USDA or HHS office, state office is the only one that can approve applications and disclose eligibility.
Eligibility For SNAP benefits:
- Unemployed
- Working part-time or for a pittance
- Receiving welfare or other forms of public assistance
- A non-citizen who meets the other criteria
- People with low income who are retire, disabled, or homeless
To determine the cost of your diet, the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan will assess your household. This estimate is updated annually to reflect current food prices in your region. You can browse the Food and Nutrition category on Benefits.gov for additional information.
How To Renew Your Snap Benefit
SNAP benefits is given based on household members, the beneficiaries’ job status, age, health, and other social/health factors. For most healthy people between age of 18 – 50 (without children), SNAP benefits are limited to three months after which they will need apply for renewal. Majority of SNAP beneficiaries receive the benefits for six months before filing for renewal. In some cases, the period of benefits could range from one month to three years.
To renew your SNAP benefits, you can apply online, in person, or over the phone. You can also access the ABE Manage My Case portal at any time to manage your medical, SNAP, and cash benefits.Â
To renew it in person, contact your Family Community Resource Center or via phone at 1-800-843-6154 (1-866-324-5553 TTY), then follow the prompts for self-service or speak to a service agent.
How to Make your SNAP Benefit last Longer
How many maximize SNAP benefits has been a major concern for many households. However, it might be a thing of the past if you apply the tips below.
- Make a list of what you want to buy before you go to the store and ensure your stick to it.Â
- Avoid buying smaller, individually packaged items and items at eye levels. They are usually more expensive than big packages and other brands products.
- Create a meal plan and buy only the ingredients needed.
- Buy less meat — You can replace meat with foods that are rich in protein. Beans and lentils are great alternatives that are cheap and healthy. If you need to eat meat, check for the ones on sale.
Conclusion
SNAP benefits is an initiative of the United States government for low-income families, senior citizens and disabled. To apply or check if you are eligible, contact your local SNAP office or contact them via phone call. If you are a SNAP beneficiary seeking how to renew or extend your benefits, kindly go through the article to learn various ways and methods.
