Food Stamp Benefits

Food stamp benefits are available to low-income families, disabled persons, veterans and the elderly who need grocery assistance. The program promotes healthy eating; however, the food stamp recipient may purchase the foods and beverages (except alcoholic beverages) of their choice at any store or business that accepts food stamp vouchers and cards.

SNAP

The food stamp benefit program is now referred to as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP helps low income families buy the food they need to maintain good health. A person or household that receives food stamp benefits is given a voucher amount, and each month, that family can spend the voucher or card at any store that accepts food stamps. For example, if a person's voucher amount is $200, then each month, the person can spend $200.

Applying for Benefits

To receive food stamps, a person or a member of her household must apply for the benefits. To apply for benefits, individuals must visit their local family services office. To apply for food stamps, applicants can also contact the SNAP hotline for their state. There is an application to fill out, and typically a face-to-face interview is required. In the interview, the applicant must provide proof of income, residency and monthly expenses.

Regulations

Regulations prohibit anyone who receives food stamps from spending them on anyone outside of the household. This means the food stamps cannot be sold for money or given away for use by someone else. If the recipient of the food stamp voucher does not use the food stamps appropriately, he could lose his voucher privileges and also face legal consequences.

Elderly and Disabled

An elderly person over the age of 60 can qualify to receive food stamps. Any disable person can qualify to receive food stamps, as long as she meets the disability requirements. Generally the person must receive Social Security benefits, disability benefits, benefits for being blind, or Supplemental Security Income, or have an annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act or be eligible for Medicare. Veterans who are disabled, housebound, or in need of regular aid and attendance are eligible to apply for food stamps. The spouse or child of a veteran who receives VA assistance and is considered permanently disabled may also apply for food stamps.

Income

Those who are not disabled have to pass income tests to be approved for food stamps. The amount of income a person can have to be eligible depends on the size of the household, the expenses of the household and the entire income of the household. Each state has income guidelines for how much income a household can have in order to receive food stamps and other benefits. However, a household with all members receiving SSI are automatically approved to receive food stamps because of their low income.