Food Stamp Qualification

If you want food stamps, you have to qualify for them. Below are criteria for food stamp qualification. Although anyone can apply for food stamps, not everyone will satisfy the food stamp qualification.

What are the food stamp qualifications?

You will qualify for food stamps and be in the food stamp program if you and other people in your household meet the food stamp qualification conditions. Some people who do not meet the food stamp qualification criteria may still qualify for food stamps but with a waiting period. The food stamp qualifications below are from the Social Security Administration.

• Anyone who is applying for food stamps in your household must have or apply for a Social Security number, AND
• be a US citizen, US national or be a qualified alien.

Food stamp qualification for the unemployed

Most people between the ages of 18 and 60 who can work must register for work to qualify for food stamps. Many people may be required to participate in an employment or training program. Some college students also may be eligible.

Food stamp income qualification

Generally, to satisfy the food stamp qualification, your household cannot have more than $2,000 in resources. However, the household resource limit for food stamp qualification is raised if your household includes a person age 60 or older or who is disabled.

What properties are counted towards food stamp income qualification?

Resources that count towards food stamp income qualification include cash, bank accounts and other property. Not all the things you own count. For example, most real estate do not count for food stamp eligibility. A car or truck counts differently depending on how it is used. Different states adopt different food stamp qualification rules. Most states now use TANF rules in place of food stamp vehicle rules if the TANF rules are more beneficial to the food stamp household.

Do the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits count towards food stamps?

No. Resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program are not counted for food stamp purposes.