Millions of Americans receive financial support from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make ends meet, putting food on the table of the neediest low-income families. It is one of the most popular programs and is loved by the majority of the population: according to statistical data, 41.9 million people in 21.6 million households receive these food stamps (the name the program used to receive), which translates into 12.5% of the national population.
The SNAP benefits program operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. A separate nutrition assistance program covers Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands, but they are related at least in the way they operate and in the eligibility of their beneficiaries.
Who is eligible for SNAP benefits?
In general, a household qualifies for SNAP benefits if it has a gross monthly income that is equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty level, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal orbit that funds the program. The values are the same in the contiguous 49 states, but they are higher in Alaska and Hawaii, since the cost of living in those two states is much higher.
Households with elderly people (defined as people aged 60 and over) or people with disabilities only have to meet the net income requirement, and not the net income requirement. And households of all types have limits on how much they can have in resources – i.e., cash securities, investments and other assets – and still be eligible for SNAP benefits.
Households that receive other types of low-income family assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may be automatically eligible for SNAP.
One State Will Expand Eligibility and More SNAP Beneficiaries Will Qualify
The State of Delaware is taking historic steps to support those who have been wrongfully incarcerated by expanding Medicaid and SNAP benefits to facilitate their reintegration into society.
For people who have been convicted of crimes they did not commit, and then regain their freedom, life both inside and outside prison is full of unforeseen challenges.
In many states, they receive no financial compensation for the time they have unjustly spent behind bars. In addition, they face significant obstacles when trying to access benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP after being out of the workforce for years.
Delaware, one of the 13 states that do not offer compensation for wrongful convictions, is trying to change this situation with Senate Bill 169. This bipartisan legislation seeks to provide essential support to those who have been released following the reversal of their convictions.
Compensation and Support When Regaining Freedom
Senate Bill 169 is designed to offer compensation to those who have been unjustly imprisoned. Under the bill, people who see their convictions overturned will receive an emergency stipend and accommodation in a community correctional facility. In addition, they will be provided access to general assistance, Medicaid and SNAP funds while their compensation claims are being processed.
This bill has made significant progress in the legislative process. It has passed both the Delaware Senate and the Delaware House of Representatives and is now awaiting Governor John Carney’s signature to become law. This final step is crucial to ensure that those affected can start receiving the support they need as soon as possible.
People released after a wrongful conviction face numerous challenges when reintegrating into society. The lack of financial compensation and limited access to essential services such as medical care and food assistance can hinder their ability to rebuild their lives. “This bill represents a vital step in supporting those who have suffered wrongful convictions,” said one prisoners’ rights advocate. “Providing them with the necessary resources for their reintegration is a matter of justice and humanity.”
The passage of Senate Bill 169 will not only provide immediate financial relief, but will also facilitate access to essential services that are critical for the successful reintegration of these people into society. With access to Medicaid and SNAP, those who have been released will be able to receive adequate medical care and food support, thus reducing the burden of their transition.
In addition, the emergency stipend and accommodation provided by the bill will help cover immediate basic needs, providing a foundation on which the released people can begin to rebuild their lives.