Are you wondering about food stamp regulations or the program’s financial guidelines? Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the food stamp program:
Q: Can I still be eligible for food stamps even if I have no kids?
A: Yes, eligibility for food stamps is based on your income relative to your household size, cashable assets and expenses. As long as you are within the limits, you will be eligible for food stamps.
Q: Do you have to be on welfare to receive food stamps?
A: No, you don’t to be on welfare to qualify for food stamps.
Q: If I own a home or a car, can I still be eligible for food stamps?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the resource (cashable assets) limit. The limit is usually $2,000. If there is a person who is at least 60 years old in your household, the resource limit is extended to $3,000. The home you live in isn’t counted as a resource. One car per adult in the household isn’t usually counted as cashable assets. Additional vehicles may still be exempt under certain conditions.
Q: Can I still be eligible for food stamps if I am employed?
A: Yes, because food stamp eligibility is strictly based on your income relative to your household size, resource limits and your expenses. As long as you meet the limits set by your state, you will be eligible for food stamps, regardless of employment status.
Q: Can I receive food stamps if I have no address?
A: Yes, the food stamp program doesn’t require you to have a physical or mailing address to qualify for benefits.
Q: What items can I buy with food stamp benefits?
A: Allowable items include milk, other dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, cereals, rice, pasta, other grain products, fruits and vegetables. You may also purchase ingredients used for baking or cooking, cold deli foods for home consumption, ice and water for human consumption, infant formula, some special dietetic or diabetic food and “natural” or “organic” food items, and garden seeds and plants for growing food at home.
You can’t buy alcoholic drinks, tobacco items, non-food items, drug store medicines and food items not meant for people (i.e. pet food).
Q: How do I receive food stamp benefits?
A: Qualifying individuals will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that acts like a debit card. You swipe it at point-of-sale (POS) machines in stores that accept food stamp payments. The benefits you receive each month will depend on your household size, income and expenses.
Sign up on the box at the right for food stamp application guidelines, contact information for your state plus other sources of financial help available in your city.
16 Responses
I reported my card stolen, and reported it. How do I get another
card. No one seens to know what to do.
Posted on September 10th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
According to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), a stolen or lost EBT card must be reported to your State’s toll free customer service number. They will issue you a new card within two to five days.
Posted on September 14th, 2010 at 7:08 am
I got denied for food stamp benefits. My husband and I make 2000 to 2200 a month. We both work, We have a daughter and i am attending college.Our money all goes to bills. Was the case worker correct in dening us benfits?
Posted on October 5th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
is nice of the US to give food stamps, but at the same time they are creating “monsters” I know many people that don’t need food stamps and they are getting them, the govt agencies is doing a very poor work in anylyzing each case here in Miami as long as you are Cuban you get food stamps no matter what, I know people they are laughing at the government because they think they have it made getting all the “frebies” from the govt, and the “new adjustment” for the Cubans, when they touch american ground they get social security, food stamps and medicare without putting a days work in this country is this fair???? for the rest of the American people
Posted on October 22nd, 2010 at 12:49 pm
i reported my card stolen two weeks ago,still haven’t received it yet ,what can be done about that
Posted on November 10th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
I have been signed up for foodstamps since october 28th but i also signed up for cash assistance so they canceled (pended)my foodstamps all this time I have two small children i still need to feed
I have a 65 year old mother i have to take care of 24/7 how are we supposed to eat
Posted on November 18th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
How do I renew my ebt card online?
Posted on November 28th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Hi Douglas,
Your benefits will automatically be renewed in your account for every month that you are under the food stamp program. When that time expires, you must apply again for SNAP benefits. As of now, not all states allow food stamp application online. Refer to the FNS website:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/apply.htm
Posted on January 4th, 2011 at 6:31 am
I am a full time student. I have to many bill to pay every months, some time I cant even feed my son because I working only part time just for pay my rent. please I need help
Posted on January 14th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
im 54 yrs old and the first time i had to do this, do i have to pay tax on any of the items said above and can i buy coffee and ice tea with food stamps ?
Posted on January 15th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
How do I report my EBT (food stamps only) card lost or stolen? i don’t have a telephone number. I am a CA resident.
Posted on January 16th, 2011 at 1:09 am
Hello, Kenneth!
If you have no telephone number, the best way would be to send an e-mail to the CA food stamp site, http://www.ebtproject.ca.gov/. Otherwise, the best course of action would be to go and report the loss or theft to your local SNAP office or representative.
Posted on January 17th, 2011 at 9:43 am
Hello, Leonard!
Buying coffee or iced tea may be subject to local SNAP guidelines. It may be best to check with them.
Posted on January 17th, 2011 at 9:49 am
can I get food stamps if I’m homeless?
Posted on January 21st, 2011 at 5:27 pm
do I have to report food stamps or cash benifits on my federal and state taxes, is there a form that will be mailed to me???
Posted on January 30th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Is there a Food Stamp grocery list? What all does it cover?
Posted on March 13th, 2011 at 2:45 am
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