Food Stamps

It’s not always obvious if you are eligible for food stamps. Many states set up eligibility checks to determine an average amount that you will qualify for, if you qualify at all. Other states simply give you some parameters and allow you to apply in hopes that you are accepted. There are some rules that determine the allotment for SNAP by household and there are some certain characteristics that you should meet before applying. You also need to make sure that anyone who has previously been caught defrauding the government with food stamps doesn’t live with this you, as you may be ineligible in some states to receive food stamps again.

Determining Allotment Amount

Eligible households are given a monthly allotment of SNAP benefits that is based on a Thrifty Food Plan, which is a low-cost model diet plan by the USDA. The plan is based on the National Academy of Science’s Recommended Dietary Allowances and food choices of low-income households. An individual household’s SNAP allotment is equal to the maximum allotment for that household’s size, which is 30 percent less in the household’s net income. This means that SNAP isn’t supposed to pay entirely all of your food bills, but merely 70 percent.

Statistic Demographics for Households on SNAP

SNAP statistically has shown that households with children receive larger amounts of food stamps, as almost half of all participants are children. Elderly, disabled and children participants make up 69 percent of all food stamp recipient demographics. Those who are elderly make up 6.7 percent. The average food stamp household size is 2 persons. Among those who participate who are adults, 57 percent are women and 43 percent are men. There are 62.6 percent of white people on food stamps, while 38.5 percent are Native America, 3.6 percent are in another category. These numbers may fluctuate around the country.

Common Traits of Households on SNAP

Asset limits are the key to whether or not you get on food stamps. Even with a tiny income, if you have multiple cars, bank accounts and stocks, you won’t be able to get food stamps. Most households have more than one person and receive only a couple hundred dollars per month. In addition, all of those in your household may not be eligible and therefore will not be counted in your household size. For example, in some states, drug felons are not allowed to receive food stamps.

Eligibility Rules are Not All the Same

Every state has different eligibility rules, though in general, you need to be a U.S. citizen and make an income that is below the Federal Poverty Level. You can use our state guide to each food stamp law in your state to find out what you are eligible for. In some cases, you may receive a reduced amount for assets, so it is best that you get rid of any assets before applying for food stamps.