If you already have financial allocations from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that were approved after a successful application process, congratulations, although I have to tell you something that you should know: they are not forever, and from time to time, the authorities They will ask you to continue proving that you are a beneficiary and that the financial situation of your household continues to need that financial support.
Recertification is an administrative process in which households receiving SNAP benefits must provide updated information about their economic and family situation from time to time, depending on each particular case. This information is used to verify that the household continues to meet the eligibility requirements for the program.
Who has to recertify for SNAP benefits?
In general, all food stamp recipients must recertify their benefits from time to time. The frequency with which food stamp (SNAP) recipients must recertify their benefits varies depending on several factors, such as personal situation, household income, and the rules of the state where they reside.
According to data we obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agency in charge of ensuring SNAP benefits at the federal level, the recertification frequencies are, in summary, three different:
- Households with stable or fixed income: Recertification is usually every 12 months, especially for seniors, households with disabilities, or those with low, consistent incomes.
- Households with variable income: In these cases, recertification could be more frequent, as each 3 to 6 months, as changes in income may affect eligibility and benefit amounts.
- Homes categorized as “simplified”: Some states have simplification programs that allow one recertification every 24 months. This applies, for example, to older adults or people with disabilities who receive income from programs such as Social Security.
Please note that, depending on the state you live in, local changes may apply to recertification periods. Also, if a household frequently adds or removes members, this may require more frequent recertification. Households where income fluctuates or where there are significant changes in deductible expenses (such as child care, housing or medical costs) may be evaluated more frequently, which, again, depends on the regulations that govern your location.
Do you have to recertify SNAP benefits in December? Here’s how to do it
If you need to recertify your SNAP benefits in December, you can do it right now, and I recommend doing it now, if your deadline has not passed. If the latter is the case, it is likely that you will have to restart the entire process from the beginning, which is why it is not advisable to let the date pass.
Each state sets a specific deadline to recertify your benefits. This date usually appears on notifications sent to you by your local social services agency or on your state’s online portal. If you do not know what your date is, you may find it in the approval file of your case, or you can check at the SNAP office where you applied. It is a very important date and you should never ignore it.
When you are notified that you must recertify, provide all the documents requested. These documents may be (but are not limited to):
- Valid identification document (driver’s license, passport, state ID card).
- Social Security Number (or proof of having applied for it).
- Recent pay stubs (usually within the last 30 days).
- Statements of benefits from programs such as Social Security, pensions, unemployment compensation, etc.
- Proof of additional income, such as child support or property rental payments.
- Housing: Proof of rent or mortgage (lease contract, payment receipts, bank statement).
- Utilities: Recent electric, gas, water, telephone or internet bills.
- Child care: Bills or receipts if you pay for child care.
- Medical expenses: Invoices or copies of payments for medications, medical consultations, health insurance (applies to people over 60 years of age or with disabilities).
What other information can they request to approve your SNAP recertification?
In addition to the above, you may be asked for proof of the number of people living with you, which can be done with children’s birth certificates, school records, or shared bills. You may also be asked for documents to support any changes in the household, such as marriage, divorce, moving, or new members.
Documents that prove your employment situation will be of great help. Have a letter from the employer on hand indicating your salary, work hours, and any other legally declared income. In accordance with this, vouchers for recent bank statements, savings, checking accounts, checkbooks and more, as well as statements of investments or assets (if applicable) must be provided. If you cannot provide a document, tell your caseworker. Some states allow you to sign affidavits for certain data, and then provide them within a stipulated reasonable period of time.