The Food Stamp Program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides financial benefits to individuals and families who are in need, disabled or have a member of the family who is too disabled to purchase food. You must disclose information about your income, income of others in your household and any other benefits you are receiving to a SNAP case worker as part of the Food Stamp Program qualification process.
Age Requirement
There are no age requirements you must meet in order to receive Food Stamp benefits. Anyone can apply for the aid, but you must be a U.S. citizen, qualified alien or U.S. national and have or are applying for a Social Security number.
Family Members
As part of the qualification process, you and each individual living in your household must disclose financial and personal information to help in determining how much aid you qualify for. All individuals living in one house, apartment or other type of dwelling are considered one household.
Individuals Under 18
Individuals under age 18 applying for Food Stamp benefits must be living on their own and not with their parents.
Work-To-Qualify Program
If you are between 18 and 60 and applying for Food Stamp benefits, you must also register in a training or employment program that helps you to learn new skills or obtain a job. You will receive paperwork about training and employment programs in your area when you apply for Food Stamp benefits.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Unemployment rate rises to record high 14.7 percent in April 2020." Accessed June 25, 2020.
- U.S. Department of the Treasury. "The CARES Act Provides Assistance to Workers and their Families." Accessed June 25, 2020.
- U.S. Department of Labor. "Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak." Accessed June 25, 2020.
- Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. "SNAP Eligibility." Accessed June 25, 2020.
- Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. "About WIC - WIC at a Glance." Accessed June 25, 2020.
- USA.gov. "Food Assistance." Accessed June 25, 2020.
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Writer Bio
Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State Technical Institute at Memphis. His work has appeared in "Elite Memphis" and "The Daily Helmsman" in Memphis, Tenn. He is currently living in Albuquerque, N.M.