As more people lose their jobs we are becoming more dependent on government assistance programs. Now, more than ever, an increasing number of people are applying for food stamps due to unemployment issues. It is a fact that over 10 million additional people have applied for food stamps in the past two years. Food stamp recipients are up 35% since December 2007. People who at one time never considered using a government assistance program are seeking help. If you are one of these people we have the information you need to get started.
Applying for food stamps is easier than ever as we progress forward in the age of technology. First, you must find out if you are eligible to receive food stamps. The United States Department of Agriculture has a web based tool that can give you an idea of whether or not you are eligible. The tool ask questions such as the state that you live in, number of people in your household, income, assets, and monthly obligations such as child support. Once you have completed the short questioner, you will instantly know whether or not you may qualify for food stamps. In addition, the tool will give you an estimation of how much your monthly benefits will be. According to the USDA website the average benefits range from $101 per person per month to $227.
If you have determined that you may be eligible for food stamps it is time to apply. Applying for food stamps can be as easy as visiting your states department of human services website. Currently there are only 18 states that have the capabilities of online applications. These states are:
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Maryland
Delaware
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Nebraska
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Michigan
If your state is not listed you should contact your local benefits office location. Their number and location can be found at the front of your phone book.
A few years back the food stamp program converted over to a plastic credit card style voucher. The card was reloaded with money every month and could be used like a credit card at participating grocers and retailers. The next biggest change to the food stamp program was the renaming of the program to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Snap is different than the old fashion food stamp program because it focuses more on purchasing nutritious food, also giving a larger allowance per month.
Check back with Healthy Financial Habits for other information on government assistance programs and ways to apply. At this site you will also hear from industry experts on a variety of topics from government programs to money saving tips.
Author: John Smitt