SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, is the federally-funded program that monetarily assists individuals and families in the United States purchase food. Benefits are distributed on an EBT card on the first of each month, which acts just like a debit card. Last year, over $250 million federal dollars entered the Rhode Island economy as people used their SNAP benefits. Prospective SNAP clients may complete an application online or on paper by contacting either the Rhode Island Department of Human Services or the URI SNAP Outreach Project.
Who Uses SNAP benefits?
Working individuals and families with children
Houseless individuals
Students
Elderly and disabled individuals
Legal Permanent Residents
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Many people of different backgrounds may qualify for SNAP by meeting the income guidelines.
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How do I qualify for SNAP benefits?
SNAP eligibility is based on both a monthly gross income and monthly net income test. SNAP households of 1 or 2 people are eligible just by meeting the gross income test (for one person $1,926 and for two people $2,607). For households of 3 or more, a more detailed eligibility screening is needed. Prospective clients are asked to provide information regarding gross monthly income, child support, dependent care costs, medical costs, and (If elderly or disabled) shelter costs (including rent and utilities. The monthly net income guidelines are significantly lower than the monthly gross income guidelines (for one person $1,041, for two people $1,410, and for three people $1,778). An example of the screener the Hunger Center uses to determine if clients are eligible can be found under the "Mock Client Contact" tab.
Are there special considerations for certain people?
Yes, there are many populations that receive special consideration. Some may qualify for additional income deductions and some may need to provide additional documentation to confirm they are a special case.
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ELDERLY & DISABLED
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If a member of the household is elderly or disabled, they are not subject to the gross income test. If their gross monthly income is over the limit, they may still qualify for benefits by meeting the net income test via deductions, but may also be subject to the asset test. Elderly or disabled households are also able to claim out-of-pocket medical expenses for a medical deduction which may increase their monthly SNAP benefits. These medical expenses include, but are not limited to, insurance / Medicare premiums, RX drugs, copays, hearing aids, hospital bills, eyeglasses, and dentures. Any medical expense within the last 12 months qualifies for this deduction, wether the bill has been paid or not. DHS then averages the client's medical expenses over 12 months.
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STUDENTS
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Students (at least half-time students) may qualify for SNAP benefits by meeting certain criteria. They must work at least 20 hours a week, or work / qualify for a state or federally funded work study program, or have the responsibility to care for a child between the ages of 0-6 or a child between the ages of 6-12 and not have adequate childcare.
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IMMIGRANTS
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Legal permanent residents (individuals with a green card) may be eligible for SNAP benefits if they have lived in the US for 5 years as a qualified immigrant, are serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces, are receiving disability benefits, came to the US as a refugee or seeking asylum, or are legal permanent residents who have worked in the US for at least 10 years. Even if an adult is ineligible by not meeting these criteria, they may apply on behalf of their citizen children.