The federal government created the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamp program, to help low-income families purchase food. Anyone can apply for food stamps, but you must meet the program requirements in order to be accepted into the program. Learn the minimum program requirements to determine your eligibility.
Household
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a household as individuals who live at the same residence who share meals and expenses. "Some people who live together, such as husbands and wives and most children under age 22, are included in the same household, even if they purchase and prepare meals separately," explains the USDA. You must report the income and assets of household members over the age of 18 on your food stamp application. Additional documentation such as pay stubs or bank statements may be requested by your case worker to verify information.
Income
Your gross and net incomes are used to determine your eligibility for the food stamp program. Net income is defined as the amount you make after taxes. Gross income is the money you make before taxes. Both income types must be lower than the national poverty level. As of 2011, the maximum gross income for a single member household is $1,174. The maximum net income is $903. "SNAP gross and net income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii," explains the USDA.
Countable Resources
Countable resources are your personal financial assets such as cash on hand, bank accounts, retirement accounts and vehicles. As of 2011, the maximum amount of allowed countable resources is $2,000 per household. If an elderly or disabled person is present in the home, the limit increases to $3,000 for the household. Certain countable resources are not counted toward your household limit. For example, if a household member currently receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you are not required to report his or her countable resources on your food stamp application.
Certification
Once you are approved for the food stamp program, you are assigned a certification period. Your certification period is the length of time you are eligible to receive food stamp aid. Certification periods commonly range from several months up a year. At the end of your certification period, you will receive a letter requesting documentation needed to recertify.
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