SNAP Benefits 2022 Update: Can You Use Your Food Stamp Benefits at 7-Elevens, Gas Stations and More?

Around 42 million people receive SNAP benefits 2022, formerly known as food stamps. The program aims to provide its beneficiaries with the financial help they need to buy food and provide meals for their families.

With the rising inflation and increasing gas prices, one might be prompted to ask if recipients can use their SNAP benefits payments to pay for purchases at gas stations.

Go Banking Rates reported that it could be possible depending on the government benefits one receives. They can use EBT-Cash but not the EBT from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for gas and other things you could buy at the gas station.

EB cards or Electronic Benefits Transfer cards are used like debit cards and have been used to deliver SNAP benefits payments electronically, instead of handing recipients paper stamps.

Over 50 gas stations across the U.S. accept EBT cards including large convenience store chains such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, Cumberland Farms, Flying J, and Exxon Mobil.

SNAP is overseen by U.S. Agriculture Department, providing payment benefits to families on an EBT card that can be used to buy food, non-alcoholic drinks, and ingredients for meals and steeds.

Meanwhile, another program that uses an EBT card is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. It can be used for other living expenses such as fuel, housing, home maintenance supplies, and personal hygiene stuff among others.

On the other hand, EBT cards will not be accepted at coffee shops or restaurants as the food is prepared for consumption in the place it is served.

EBT cards are not also allowed at delis, pizza, sandwich shops, or food counters inside gas stations, according to Financial Fuel Services.

SNAP Benefits 2022

SNAP benefits increased between 2021 and 2022 as a response to economic changes such as the pandemic, inflation, and rising gas prices among other financial challenges.

Families of four receiving the maximum allotment of SNAP benefits are now receiving $835 in the 48 states, including Washington, D.C. as of early 2022.

Maximum allotments in Alaska range from $1,074 to $1,667. It is worth $1,573 in Hawaii while Guam has the maximum allotment of $1,231, as reported by another Go Banking Rates.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has a maximum allotment for their SNAP benefits this year at $1,074.

Meanwhile, the minimum benefit for the 48 states and D.C. will increase up to $20. It will also be increased in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

SNAP Benefits Payments

Applicants must meet certain eligibility standards to qualify for the SNAP benefits payments, with their income and resources must meet three criteria such as gross monthly income, net income, and assets.

Gross income or household income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line, as stated on Center of Budget and Policy Priorities fact sheet.

Household income after deductions are applied or net income must also be at or below the poverty line while assets of households without a member who is elderly or who has a disability must be worth $2,500 or less.

For a household with such members, assets must be at $3,750 or less.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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