Overview
The Food Stamp Program enables low-income families to buy nutritious food with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards in authorized retail food stores. Households must meet eligibility requirements and provide information – and verification -- about their household circumstances. U.S. citizens and some aliens who are admitted for permanent residency may qualify.
Local food stamp offices can provide information about eligibility, and USDA operates a toll-free number (800-221-5689) for people to receive information about the Food Stamp Program. Most states also have a toll free information/hotline number.
Eligibility Requirements:
-
Households may have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account ($3,000 if at least one person in the household is age 60 or older, or is disabled). Certain resources are not counted, such as a home and lot. Special rules are used to determine the resource value of vehicles owned by household members.
-
The gross monthly income of most households must be 130 percent or less of the Federal poverty guidelines ($1,799 per month for a family of three in most places, effective Oct. 1, 2006 through Sept. 30, 2007). Gross income includes all cash payments to the household, with a few exceptions specified in the law or the program regulations.
-
Net monthly income must be 100 percent or less of Federal poverty guidelines ($1,385 per month for a household of three in most places, effective Oct. 1, 2006 through Sept. 30, 2007). Net income is figured by adding all of a household's gross income, and then taking a number of approved deductions for child care, some shelter costs and other expenses. Households with an elderly or disabled member are subject only to the net income test.
-
Most able-bodied adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.
-
All household members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one.
Federal poverty guidelines are established by the Office of Management and Budget, and are updated annually by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Eligible Foods:
-
Household foods such as:
-
Breads and cereals
-
Fruits and vegetables
-
Meats, fish, and poultry products
-
Dairy products
-
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
Non-eligible Items:
-
Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
-
Food that will be eaten in the store
-
Hot foods
-
Any non-food items such as:
-
Pet foods
-
Soaps, paper products, and household supplies
-
Vitamins and medicines