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Food Stamp FactsSSA Publication No. 05-10101, September 2004, (Recycle prior editions), ICN 468655 [View .pdf ] |
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The food stamp program helps low-income people buy food. Although it is a federal government program, it is run by state or local agencies. |
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Who can get food stamps?Anyone can apply for food stamps. To get food stamps, you and the other people in your household must meet certain conditions. Everyone who is applying in your household must have or apply for a Social Security number and be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or have status as a qualified alien. The following qualified aliens are eligible for food stamps without a waiting period:
The following legal aliens are eligible without a waiting period even if they are not qualified aliens:
Most able-bodied people between the ages of 18 and 60 must register for work to qualify for food stamps. Many people may be required to participate in an employment or training program. Some college students also may be eligible. |
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Resources (things you own)Generally, your household cannot have more than $2,000 in resources. But, if your household includes a person age 60 or older or who is disabled, the limit is $3,000. Resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program are not counted for food stamp purposes. Resources include cash, bank accounts and other property. Not all the things you own count. For example, your home and the land it is on do not count for food stamp eligibility. A car or truck counts differently depending on how it is used. Most states now use TANF rules in place of food stamp vehicle rules if the TANF rules are more beneficial to the food stamp household. Most households also must meet an income limit. Certain things do not count as income and can be subtracted from your income. Your household may qualify for other income exclusions if it includes a person age 60 or older or disabled. The income limits vary by household size and may change each year. |
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How can you apply for food stamps?Food stamp applications are available at any Social Security office. If you and everyone in your household are applying for or already getting SSI payments, any Social Security office will help you fill out the food stamp application and send it to the food stamp office for you. All others, including those applying for or getting only Social Security, must take or send their food stamp applications to the local food stamp office or to any Social Security office where a food stamp representative works. When you are interviewed, you also should have:
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How much can you get?You can find out how much you may be able to get online through the Food Stamp Pre-Screening Tool at www.foodstamps-step1.usda.gov. |
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Contacting Social SecurityContact your Social Security or local food stamp office for more information about the Food Stamp Program and eligibility rules. Remember, Social Security does not decide if you are eligible for food stamps. For general information and to get copies of our publications, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call toll-free, 1-800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778). We can answer specific questions and provide information by automated phone service 24 hours a day. We treat all calls confidentially. We want to make sure you receive accurate and courteous service. That is why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some telephone calls. |
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