Many families in the United States are fortunate to have a number of programs that protect them from the uncertainty of the current economic situation, one of the programs for low-income families that guarantees that no one is in need, is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits), initially known as food stamps, today the program provides families with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT card), making the online shopping process easier.
But, of course, not all families are lucky enough to receive these types of benefits and some families who would be eligible are not aware of the benefits, the requirements could be a little confusing, since almost all federal programs are made of a slightly different way, in each of the states, as well as its financing, so when making the request, citizens will have to look for the specific requirements requested in each state.
Because so many points of view are used to make decisions about benefits, there are very few general truths when it comes to deciding how much money would actually leave you ineligible for assistance or which households would receive the most money. But, in general, older adults are more likely to receive a higher amount of assistance, as are households with people with disabilities, since they are expected to have higher expenses in other areas and may need to use the assistance of SNAP benefits in order to have financial relief.
9 States Still Sending SNAP Payments in May
At this time of the month, most states have already finished distributing their benefits among the recipient households, but below you will see the list of those who are still handing over funds:
Here is the list of states that pay SNAP benefits between May 12 and May 19, 2024:
- Alabama: May 4 to 23
- Arkansas: May 4 to 13
- Georgia: May 5 to 23
- Indiana: May 5 to 23
- Kentucky: May 1 to 19
- New Mexico: May 1 to 20
- North Carolina: May 3 to 21
- Pennsylvania: May 3 to 14
- Tennessee: May 1 to 20
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits?
The application is a very simple process, although it can take some time and a bit of back and forth with the state agency, in most states there is an online portal available to citizens, which will also have the application that is You can complete and send along with all the documents that are requested and that you must present, if online is not an option, you can apply by phone, send an application by mail or appear in person at one of the local offices. However, make sure you have all the necessary information available to be able to provide it when requested.
Since requirements can vary by state, it may be helpful to call ahead and ask for a specific list of documents, however, here is a list of some of the possible documents you may be asked to provide for the study to validate if you qualify to receiver SNAP benefits:
- Identity proof : Any official document that can serve to verify your name and identity should work. Having two doesn’t hurt in case your specific state requires review. The documents that will work are driver’s license, state ID card, US passport, military ID, school ID, birth certificate, adoption records or certificate of naturalization.
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status : Any official record that can verify your identity works. This can be done by presenting your Social Security card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, green card, employment authorization card, military records, or U.S. passport.
- Proof of residency: Since you must apply for benefits in the state in which you reside, you will need to provide proof of residency, it is a key document to obtain benefits, since you need to prove that you live in that state, presenting a rental lease agreement, records of mortgage, voter registration card, or a letter from your landlord indicating your name and current address.
- Proof of earned income: To be sure you are eligible to be a beneficiary, your income must be below a certain threshold and you must prove it by submitting paycheck stubs, tax records, bank statements, or a letter from your employer indicating the amount of your income.
- Resource Test: DSince these are accounted for differently, any assets held in your name must be reported to SNAP and the documents it contains are bank statements of all checking and savings accounts, stock or bond certificates, vacation or recreational properties. It is not used for daily life or transportation or income.
- Proof of any disability: People with disabilities may be eligible for the highest benefits, so if you can demonstrate through medical records, diagnostic documentation, or a letter from a home doctor explaining the disability that you do in fact meet the condition, you and Your family can get an increase in the payment amount.
- Proof of school attendance: Some requirements are lower for those pursuing their own education without parental support, so if you are advancing in your education and would benefit from help, you will need to provide enrollment records and/or proof that you meet the requirements. requirements.
To provide a comprehensive overview of the approximate amount you should expect to receive, here’s a breakdown of the maximum SNAP allocations in the continental 48 states and DC (October 2023 to September 2024), according to the USDA website:
- Household size 1: $291
- Household size 2: $535
- Household size 3: $766
- Household size 4: $973
- Household size 5: $1,155
- Household size 6: $1,386
- Household size 7: $1,532
- Household size 8: $1,751
- Each additional person: $219.
