SNAP Eligibility

Louise HayesCommunity Legal Services

LHayes@clsphila.org

Who Can Get Food Stamps?

• Almost everyone who is low income and has few assets

• Exceptions:– Some immigrants– Some students– Some folks with certain criminal histories or

who have broken FS rules

Who Must Apply Together?

Everyone who:

1- lives together and

2- purchases and prepares food together

Some special rules:• Kids under 22 living with parents must be part of

the parents’ household• Spouses living together must always apply

together

Special Rules for Certain People

• Students (may be ineligible unless…)

• Homeless (eligible even if in a shelter)

• People fleeing felony prosecution or violating probation or parole

• Work rules. None for now; may change.

Eligibility for Immigrants

• Legal (“qualified”) immigrants are eligible after five years; some are eligible right away.

• Eligible right away:– Children under 18– People in humanitarian immigration categories

(refugees, asylees)– People receiving disability benefits (12 mo. or more)

• Ongoing advocacy around this issue – please call me

PA CAP

• PA CAP (= Combined Application Project) is automatic SNAP benefits for single people on SSI. No need to apply, no semi-annual reports.

• Computer match sends SNAP based on what SSA knows of housing costs.– SSI-only, rent < $196 $92 in SNAP– SSI-only, rent > $196 $164 in SNAP– SSI + soc sec, rent < $196 $83 in SNAP– SSI + soc sec, rent > $196 $155 in SNAP

• Tip: report change in rent to welfare office to get moved into better category.

Asset Limit

• This test was reinstated as of May 1, 2012. Asset limit now $5,500 for most households, $9,000 for households with an elderly or disabled member.

• The following assets do not count: • Residence, • Retirement funds, • Life insurance, • One car per household,• Burial plots, • Income-producing property, • Inaccessible resources (less than $1,500 equity value), • Tax refunds, and more.• See DPW’s SNAP Handbook § 540.5, available online.

How Quickly Can You Get Food Stamps?

• Usually within 30 days of application: apply early to get things started.

• In some cases, within 5 days or less (“expedited FS”):– Shelter costs (including standard utility allowance)

exceed monthly income and cash on hand– <$100 on hand and <$150 in gross monthly income– Migrant farmworker with <$100 on hand and no job

for the next 10 days

Application Process

• Can apply in person, by mail, or online: www.compass.state.pa.us

• Need interview. Usually by phone: push to reschedule if can’t make it! Tip: put request for new interview in writing.

• Need verification. Rules are flexible – see SNAP Handbook ch. 578.

• Verify ID, residence, income, assets, immigration status. Sometimes more.

Keeping Benefits

• Should get semi-annual reporting (SAR) form after 6 months.

• Return the SAR form (or the Late/Incomplete Notice) timely or risk suspension of SNAP!

• Yearly “recertification.” Interview required. – Benefits will not continue even if quickly appeal cutoff at end of

cert. period. Make sure you reapply.

• Between SARs/ recerts: report if income exceeds 130% of the poverty level. No other reports required for SNAP (but maybe for MA or TANF). – Report by 10th day of month after the month of change.

EBT

Problems with card: call 1-888-EBT-PENN.

Also http://www.ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com/

– balance inquiries– last 10 transactions– report lost/stolen cards