A SNAP benefits update has been implemented after prices of basic food products increased 13% year-over-year in September 2022. It was much higher than the overall inflation rate of 8.2% based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

With the increase, SNAP benefits are adjusted for inflation and beneficiaries will get a 12.5% cost-of-living adjustment for the fiscal year 2023. The adjusted COLA was enforced in October 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees the program, but it is administered at the state level.

The increase in SNAP benefits will get an individual an average of $281 worth of benefits from the previous $250.

In addition, for each extra person for households of nine more, they will get $211 from the previous rate of $188.

In 2021, the number of recipients receiving SNAP benefits reached 41.5 million, with over two-thirds of participants in families with kids.

However, not all eligible people receive SNAP benefits and many who receive the benefits still have difficulty paying for adequate food in addition to housing and other basic living expenses.

Usually, applicants' eligibility is determined based on their income and resources.

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SNAP Benefits Eligibility

Gross monthly income of an individual or household must be at or below 130% of the poverty line. The poverty level is higher for bigger families while it can be lower for smaller families.

Meanwhile, assets must be below certain limits with households without a member who is age 60 or older or who has a disability must have assets of $2,750 or less.

On the other hand, households with such a member should have assets of $4,250 or less.

SNAP counts cash income from all sources, such as earned income and unearned income such as cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support.

Assets could be determined as things available to the household to purchase food such as money in bank accounts.

Items that are not counted as assets are household homes, personal property, and retirement savings. Most household vehicles do not count, but states have the option to relax the asset limits.

Students are commonly not eligible for SNAP unless they are enrolled less than half-time. The number of hours considered as half-time enrollment is identified by the institution of higher education.

SNAP Benefits Application

State agencies or local SNAP offices will process the SNAP benefits application and send applicants a notice whether or not they are eligible for benefits within 30 days.

In the 30-day period, SNAP benefits applicants will be required to complete an eligibility interview and give proof or some kind of verification of the information you provided.

The interview is usually conducted over the phone or in person.

Once found eligible for the food stamp payments, you will receive benefits based on the date you submitted your application or based on the state's schedule, which will be administering the benefit.

Applicants may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits within seven days of their application date if they have completed additional requirements.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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