The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federally funded program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), providing monthly benefits to low-income individuals with disabilities.
The SSA offers several programs for those with limited income and resources. This includes a program that provides food stamps known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Similar to SSI benefits, SNAP benefits also require meeting certain household conditions and requirements.
Dayes Law Firm is here to help you get the services and benefits you need. We know disability recipients face many hardships on a day-to-day basis to be able to provide for themselves and their families.
Our initial consultations are free of charge, with no obligation on your part. If you have a valid claim and decide to have us represent you, there are no upfront costs involved. We are not paid unless you get benefits.
Call 1-800-503-2000 for Trusted Legal Help.
What is SNAP and How Does It Work?
SNAP – formally known as the Food Stamp Program – is a federal program run by state agencies through various local offices. SNAP helps millions of U.S. families from low-income households get the food they need for good health. This includes providing education on food preparation and overall nutrition.
SNAP benefits are used in place of cash to purchase food. These benefits are issued on a monthly basis through electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that work similarly to debit cards. If you become eligible for SNAP, the EBT card can be used to purchase groceries at authorized food stores and retailers.
SNAP Benefits for SSI Recipients
If you are applying for SSI benefits, you may also apply for SNAP benefits. If you have already been approved for SSI or are already receiving SSI, you may be eligible for SNAP.
In order to receive SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state that you currently reside in and abide by certain income and resource requirements as outlined by the SSA. For instance, you must meet both gross income (total income before taxes) and net income (total income after taxes) limits.
You must also meet the resource limit. Resources are things you own, such as cash or money in a bank account. However, other belongings, such as your home or lot, are not included as resources. Current households cannot have over $2,250 in resources to qualify for SNAP benefits. However, if the individual is disabled or age 60 or older, he or she cannot exceed $3,500 in resources.
How Do I Go About Applying for SNAP?
SNAP applications are available at any Social Security field office. If you or other members of your household have been approved or are already receiving SSI, you can apply and submit by:
- Calling the SSA toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213
- Going in person if you schedule an appointment
- Mailing in the application, if requested over the phone
- Sending completed application to a SNAP office near you
An experienced Phoenix-based Social Security Disability lawyer can help you fill out the SNAP application and turn it in. Our firm is well-versed in the requirements for various SSA-related services and benefits.
If you or other members of your household are already receiving SSI and SNAP benefits, you may be able to complete the SNAP forms required for recertification at your local Social Security office.
How Much Can I Receive in SNAP Benefits?
The amount you may be able to receive in SNAP benefits will depend on several factors, such as:
- Size of your household
- Monthly household income
- Household expenses (i.e. rent, mortgage, utilities, childcare or eldercare)
SNAP expects any household receiving benefits to spend 30 percent of their net income per month on food. Households with no net income are able to receive the full maximum benefit.
For households with net income, the monthly benefit equals the maximum benefit for that household size subtracted by the household’s expected contribution of 30 percent of its net income.
For instance, a two-person household with no net income would be able to receive the maximum SNAP benefit of $459 per month. If this household had $400 in net income per month, they would be able to receive the maximum SNAP benefit (which is $459) minus 30 percent of its net income (30 percent of $400 is $120), or $339. The average SNAP benefit per person for 2022 is about $175 per month.
Learn More in a Free Initial Consultation
Applying for disability benefits and other federal assistance can be a daunting task. If the right steps are not taken or you forget to include certain information, you will likely be denied benefits. With the help of a lawyer, he or she can guide you through the application process to boost your chances of approval.
Our firm offers a free consultation to review your claim and discuss your eligibility for benefits. There is no obligation to move forward after meeting with one of our lawyers. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we do not charge any upfront fees for our services.
Available 24/7. Call: 1-800-503-2000