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SNAP Eligibility

SNAP Eligibility. Louise Hayes Community Legal Services LHayes@clsphila.org. Who Can Get Food Stamps ?. Almost everyone who is low income and has few assets Exceptions: Some immigrants Some students Some folks with certain criminal histories or who have broken FS rules.

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SNAP Eligibility

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  1. SNAP Eligibility Louise Hayes Community Legal Services LHayes@clsphila.org

  2. Who Can Get Food Stamps? • Almost everyone who is low income and has few assets • Exceptions: • Some immigrants • Some students • Some folks with certain criminal histories or who have broken FS rules

  3. Who Must Apply Together? Everyone who: 1- lives together and 2- purchases and prepares food together Some special rules: • Kids under 22 living with parents must be part of the parents’ household • Spouses living together must always apply together

  4. Special Rules for Certain People • Students (may be ineligible unless…) • Homeless (eligible even if in a shelter) • People fleeing felony prosecution or violating probation or parole • Work rules. None for now; may change.

  5. Eligibility for Immigrants • Legal (“qualified”) immigrants are eligible after five years; some are eligible right away. • Eligible right away: • Children under 18 • People in humanitarian immigration categories (refugees, asylees) • People receiving disability benefits (12 mo. or more) • Ongoing advocacy around this issue – please call me

  6. PA CAP • PA CAP (= Combined Application Project) is automatic SNAP benefits for single people on SSI. No need to apply, no semi-annual reports. • Computer match sends SNAP based on what SSA knows of housing costs. • SSI-only, rent < $196 $92 in SNAP • SSI-only, rent > $196 $164 in SNAP • SSI + soc sec, rent < $196 $83 in SNAP • SSI + soc sec, rent > $196 $155 in SNAP • Tip: report change in rent to welfare office to get moved into better category.

  7. Asset Limit • This test was reinstated as of May 1, 2012. Asset limit now $5,500 for most households, $9,000 for households with an elderly or disabled member. • The following assets do not count: • Residence, • Retirement funds, • Life insurance, • One car per household, • Burial plots, • Income-producing property, • Inaccessible resources (less than $1,500 equity value), • Tax refunds, and more. • See DPW’s SNAP Handbook § 540.5, available online.

  8. How Quickly Can You Get Food Stamps? • Usually within 30 days of application: apply early to get things started. • In some cases, within 5 days or less (“expedited FS”): • Shelter costs (including standard utility allowance) exceed monthly income and cash on hand • <$100 on hand and <$150 in gross monthly income • Migrant farmworker with <$100 on hand and no job for the next 10 days

  9. Application Process • Can apply in person, by mail, or online: www.compass.state.pa.us • Need interview. Usually by phone: push to reschedule if can’t make it! Tip: put request for new interview in writing. • Need verification. Rules are flexible – see SNAP Handbook ch. 578. • Verify ID, residence, income, assets, immigration status. Sometimes more.

  10. Keeping Benefits • Should get semi-annual reporting (SAR) form after 6 months. • Return the SAR form (or the Late/Incomplete Notice) timely or risk suspension of SNAP! • Yearly “recertification.” Interview required. • Benefits will not continue even if quickly appeal cutoff at end of cert. period. Make sure you reapply. • Between SARs/ recerts: report if income exceeds 130% of the poverty level. No other reports required for SNAP (but maybe for MA or TANF). • Report by 10th day of month after the month of change.

  11. EBT Problems with card: call 1-888-EBT-PENN. Also http://www.ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com/ • balance inquiries • last 10 transactions • report lost/stolen cards

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