How to Apply for SNAP (formerly called "Food Stamps")

Nearly 15% of all Americans, 45.8 MILLION, receive Food Stamps (SNAP) now (11/2011), a record high. The number is 34% higher than two years ago.

Since Congress and The White House have decided to turn its backs on the 99ers and not create a Tier 5, some NoJobSurvivors will need to collect emergency funds. How lawmakers think sending tens of millions of formerly hardworking people into abject poverty is supposed to help the economy (while they give tax breaks to the wealthy) is completely beyond me, but hey, I know I'm preachin' to the choir here!

First of all, there's absolutely no shame in getting food stamps or welfare. You've paid taxes for years for benefits like these, so now is your time to collect on them. Really... it's OK; go for it! Don't let the rich bozos in Congress make you feel bad. This money is YOURS for FOOD!

Here are some steps and/or tips for obtaining food stamps -- or what's now called SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

1. The procedures differ state by state, although food stamps are federally funded. Click here to find your local SNAP office.
2. For eligibility: Are you a U.S. citizen? Do you have a social security number? Is everyone in your household a U.S. citizen? All must be before you may obtain food stamps.
3. If you have more than $2000 in cash or bank accounts (or if anyone in your household is older than 60, the amount is $3000) than you are not eligible for SNAP. Property varies. Click here to see if you are eligible.
4. There is priority for people who are homeless. Click here for the phone hotline in your state.

5. To qualify for food stamps, an individual's income can't exceed $1,174 a month or $14,088 a year -- an amount that is 130% of the national poverty level. The average food stamp benefit was $133.80 per person and $283.65 per household in May.

FYI on procedure from the SNAP website: Normally a household must file an application form, have a face-to-face interview, and provide proof (verification) of certain information, such as income and expenses. The office interview may be waived if the household is unable to appoint an authorized representative and no household member is able to go to the office because of age or disability. If the office interview is waived, the local office will interview you by telephone or do a home visit. A home visit must be scheduled beforehand with the household.

Hang in there, and good luck!

No Job Resources - No Job Advice and Help