Many individuals find themselves in need of assistance during challenging times, whether as a single parent, head of a low-income household, or after a financial setback. To support those in various situations, the federal government provides several assistance programs tailored to different needs, including food, medical care, housing, childcare, education, and financial aid.
One of the most effective and widely recognized programs is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps.” SNAP is dedicated to helping low-income families and individuals access nutritious food. As the largest hunger-relief initiative in the U.S., it supports 9.5 million households and children nationwide.
Funding for SNAP
SNAP is fully funded by the federal government, which also shares administrative costs with state governments. The program is managed by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which operates through a vast network of field offices.
Local FNS offices oversee the participation of retail food businesses in SNAP, while state authorities determine eligibility and distribute monthly benefits.
How SNAP Works
In 1990, paper food stamps were replaced by electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards, functioning like debit cards linked to benefits accounts. By 2014, paper stamps were completely phased out.
Each month, EBT cards are reloaded with benefits, allowing recipients to purchase food at stores that accept them, such as grocery stores and gas stations. State governments administer these benefits and monitor their usage via the EBT system.
Participants access their benefits through electronic accounts secured by a PIN, and can use their cards at EBT-approved stores, ATMs, and point-of-sale terminals, much like a debit card.
Where to Use the EBT Card
SNAP benefits can be used to buy food at various local grocery stores, convenience stores, farmer’s markets, and some online retailers like Walmart and Amazon. To find the nearest SNAP retailer, click here.
Eligibility for SNAP
To qualify for SNAP, your household must earn less than 130% of the federal poverty level. For the fiscal year 2022, the poverty level for a family of three is $1,830 per month, meaning 130% of the poverty line is approximately $2,379 monthly or about $28,550 annually.
The poverty threshold is lower for smaller households and higher for larger ones. Benefit amounts depend on household size, income, and whether any members are elderly or disabled. Additionally, household assets must be below a certain limit, and SNAP is only available to U.S. citizens and individuals with qualifying immigration status. For the most current eligibility information, check with your state SNAP office, especially since COVID-19 relief measures have relaxed some restrictions.
How to Apply for SNAP
You can apply for SNAP online, by phone, or by mail. However, it’s advisable to contact your local state SNAP office for specific application details, as processes vary by state.
After submission, processing your application may take up to 30 days, and a brief interview is often required, typically conducted by phone or in person. If you cannot apply yourself, an authorized representative can apply on your behalf.
If approved, benefits begin based on your application date, with potential eligibility for benefits within seven days if you meet additional criteria.
What You Can Buy with SNAP Benefits
SNAP covers a wide range of food items, including meat, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, cereals, bread, snacks, and nonalcoholic beverages. You can also buy seeds and plants for growing food.
However, certain items are excluded, such as alcohol, tobacco, medicine, vitamins, supplements, hot prepared foods, and non-food items like cleaning supplies and pet food.
Impact of COVID-19 on SNAP
The pandemic significantly increased food insecurity, with the poverty rate rising to 11.8% by the end of 2020—an increase of 2.4% or 8.1 million people compared to the previous year.
Low wages and unemployment contributed to this crisis, with over 75% of SNAP-eligible households having at least one employed member. On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was enacted, resulting in temporary increases to SNAP benefits, with further boosts in June 2021 and extensions through the American Rescue Plan.
The pandemic relief efforts included increased SNAP payments, expanded online shopping options for recipients, and enhanced nutrition education services. States received funding to manage the rise in benefit demand, and families also received food dollars to compensate for missed meals during school closures.
Effectiveness of SNAP
Financial Impact
SNAP enhances the financial stability and health of low-income families. For every dollar in federally funded SNAP benefits, there is an estimated $1.79 in economic activity.
According to the Census Bureau’s Supplemental Poverty Measure, SNAP helped 4.6 million people escape poverty in 2015.
Food Security
SNAP improves food security, allowing families to afford healthier meals and freeing up cash for other essential needs. The program has been shown to reduce food insecurity by up to 30%, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations like children, who saw a nearly one-third decrease in food insecurity after six months of receiving SNAP.
During the Pandemic
Research indicates that the relief measures from late 2020 and early 2021 had a substantial positive impact, with food insecurity among households with children dropping by approximately 41% during that period.
Health Benefits
Studies demonstrate that SNAP positively affects the health and well-being of participants by increasing access to affordable, nutritious food and enabling savings for other necessities.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) assists low-income families who have lost their food sources due to natural disasters. D-SNAP requirements differ from regular SNAP, and you may qualify even if you don’t normally meet SNAP criteria. Eligibility includes costs related to:
Home or business repairs.
Temporary shelter.
Evacuation or relocation expenses.
Personal injury or burial costs due to a disaster.
Loss of primary income sources due to a disaster.
If you receive less than the monthly limit in SNAP benefits and have experienced disaster-related losses, you can request a supplement when D-SNAP is activated in your state. To apply for D-SNAP benefits, contact designated local offices for more information.