SNAP Eligibility Louise Hayes Community Legal Services

Who Can Get Food Stamps? Almost everyone who is low income and has few assets Exceptions: –Some immigrants –Some students –Some folks with certain criminal histories or who have broken FS rules

Who Must Apply Together? Everyone who: 1- lives together and 2- purchases and prepares food together Some special rules: Kids under 22 living with parents must be part of the parents’ household Spouses living together must always apply together

Special Rules for Certain People Students (may be ineligible unless…) Homeless (eligible even if in a shelter) People fleeing felony prosecution or violating probation or parole Work rules. None for now; may change.

Eligibility for Immigrants Legal (“qualified”) immigrants are eligible after five years; some are eligible right away. Eligible right away: –Children under 18 –People in humanitarian immigration categories (refugees, asylees) –People receiving disability benefits (12 mo. or more) Ongoing advocacy around this issue – please call me

PA CAP PA CAP (= Combined Application Project) is automatic SNAP benefits for single people on SSI. No need to apply, no semi-annual reports. Computer match sends SNAP based on what SSA knows of housing costs. –SSI-only, rent < $196$92 in SNAP –SSI-only, rent > $196$164 in SNAP –SSI + soc sec, rent < $196$83 in SNAP –SSI + soc sec, rent > $196$155 in SNAP Tip: report change in rent to welfare office to get moved into better category.

Asset Limit This test was reinstated as of May 1, Asset limit now $5,500 for most households, $9,000 for households with an elderly or disabled member. The following assets do not count: Residence, Retirement funds, Life insurance, One car per household, Burial plots, Income-producing property, Inaccessible resources (less than $1,500 equity value), Tax refunds, and more. See DPW’s SNAP Handbook § 540.5, available online.

How Quickly Can You Get Food Stamps? Usually within 30 days of application: apply early to get things started. In some cases, within 5 days or less (“expedited FS”): –Shelter costs (including standard utility allowance) exceed monthly income and cash on hand – <$100 on hand and <$150 in gross monthly income –Migrant farmworker with <$100 on hand and no job for the next 10 days

Application Process Can apply in person, by mail, or online: Need interview. Usually by phone: push to reschedule if can’t make it! Tip: put request for new interview in writing. Need verification. Rules are flexible – see SNAP Handbook ch Verify ID, residence, income, assets, immigration status. Sometimes more.

Keeping Benefits Should get semi-annual reporting (SAR) form after 6 months. Return the SAR form (or the Late/Incomplete Notice) timely or risk suspension of SNAP! Yearly “recertification.” Interview required. –Benefits will not continue even if quickly appeal cutoff at end of cert. period. Make sure you reapply. Between SARs/ recerts: report if income exceeds 130% of the poverty level. No other reports required for SNAP (but maybe for MA or TANF). –Report by 10 th day of month after the month of change.

EBT Problems with card: call EBT-PENN. Also –balance inquiries –last 10 transactions –report lost/stolen cards