Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits is based on a number of factors established by the federal government. These include both earned and unearned income, resources like bank accounts, investments, cash, and in certain circumstances, cars and properties that are available to the household. However, some types of income and some types of resources are not counted when determining eligibility. The only way to really know if you are eligible is to file an application.
Regulations require certain household members to apply together. That includes spouses who live together, children under 22 living with their parent(s) and minors less than 18 living with an adult who provides parental control. Also, non-related members of a household who buy and prepare the majority of their meals together must all apply together.
If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, you may qualify for “expedited” Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits. If you do, you will receive your initial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefit within five days. However, you will still have to complete the regular eligibility process and supply all the required documentation at a later date.
Resource Limits
Effective 1/1/2008 there is NO resource limit for individuals below 200% poverty unless a member of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance household is sanctioned or disqualified.
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