Qualifying for Food Stamps

The food stamp program began in the 1960's and is primarily funded by the federal government, though individual states also contribute to the program. Although people of all ages and people without children qualify for food stamps, more than 50% of food stamp recipients are children.

In tough economic times, more and more people are looking for ways to stretch their dollars. Food stamps are one option that many people are looking at for the very first time. Those considering applying for food stamps need to be aware of the qualifying factors listed below.

Food stamp eligibility is pretty straight forward, but it may not be as easy to qualify as you might think. For instance, something like unemployment alone may not qualify you for food stamps. The problem is that other assets are looked at when determining eligibility. For instance, in addition to needing to be below the poverty level, food stamp recipients are also limited when it comes to the amount of "countable resources" they may have. Countable resources include things such as the amount of money one has in checking and savings accounts and also includes tangible objects such as cars. So, for example, even if you have no money in the bank, if you have a car that is valued at $3,000, you may not be eligible for food stamps.

Also, other than elderly people or people who are unable to work, in order to qualify for food stamps a person must either be working or seeking employment. Some may be required to be involved in training and job search programs.

Able bodied individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 50 and who do not have children must work at least 20 hours per week or be involved in employment and training programs in order to receive food stamps for more than three months in a 36-month period.

People who want to apply for food stamps must fill out a long application. The average food stamp application length is 12 pages with some states having applications 18 pages long.

In addition to the paperwork hassles, income verification by the employer may be required. Many people feel embarrassed to have their employer and coworkers know that they are applying for food stamps so some people choose not to apply for that reason.

All in all the food stamp program is a good program that helps truly needy people to get assistance they need in order to have proper nutrition, but the rules and regulations make applying for and receiving food stamps a rather daunting task.

By all means, people who need help feeding themselves and their families should look into obtaining food stamps, but food stamps should not be considered to be a long-term solution to the problem of inadequate money for food.

Sources: http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/programs/fsp_faq.html