What documents are required?
The required documents are listed on the inside cover of the application.

• Identification (driver’s license, birth certificate)
• Social Security Numbers for everyone applying (they don’t have to have the card)
• Proof of non-citizen status for non-U.S. citizens applying for food stamps
• Proof of past month’s income (earned, unearned, self employment and rental)
• Proof of past month’s housing and utility expenses
• Proof of other allowable expenses such as day care and child support
• Proof of medical expenses for people 60 or older or disabled (if they pay over $35 monthly in medical expenses and want to claim a deduction)
• Proof of assets (if there are no children under the age of 19 in the food stamp household)

How soon can the applicant receive benefits?

Regular benefits
DTA is required to give the applicant a decision within 30 days of the date they receive the application. That means they must process the application and request whatever additional information they need from the applicant, giving him/her adequate time to respond. The applicant is responsible for providing the requested documentation within the given timeframe. Failure to do so may result in a denial or in their receiving fewer benefits than they would have otherwise received.

Who must be included in the food stamp household?

• The food stamp household includes all members of the household who purchase and prepare food together.
• Children under the age of 22 who live with their parents must be included in the household.
• Spouses who live together must apply together.
• Foster children do not have to be included as part of the household.
• Non-citizen household members who are unable or unwilling to provide a social security number or immigration status will not be included in the household size but their income must be included.

Can non-citizens apply for SNAP/food stamps?

• Yes, many non-citizens are eligible.
• Undocumented non-citizens and those on temporary visas such as visitor and student visas, are ineligible for food stamps for themselves but may apply for their citizen and permanent resident children.

What are the income guidelines for families?

• The gross income guideline for families with children under the age of 19 is 200% of the federal poverty level, based on family size.
• The gross income guideline is only the first step in determining eligibility.
• Eligibility is actually determined by the Net Income, which is the gross income, less the allowable deductions.

What are the income guidelines for people over 60 or disabled?

• There is no gross income guideline for this group.
• Eligibility is determined by the Net Income, which is the gross income, less the allowable deductions.
• People over 60 or disabled are able to claim a medical deduction and their housing deduction is not capped.

What are the income guidelines for households that do not include anyone who is elderly, disabled or under 19?

• The gross income guideline for this group, known as Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents, is 130% of the federal poverty level, based on family size.
• The gross income guideline is only the first step in determining eligibility.
• Eligibility is actually determined by the Net Income, which is the gross income, less the allowable deductions.

What deductions are allowed?

• Earned income deduction (20% of Earned Income)
• Standard Deduction (based on family size)
• Excess Medical Deduction (for over 60 or disabled only)
• Dependent Care Deduction (maximum of $175 - $200, based on age of child)
• Child Support Deduction (actual amount of court ordered child support)
• Excess Shelter Deduction (determined by formula)
• Homeless Shelter Deduction (alternative to excess shelter deduction for people who are homeless)

Are there asset limits?

• Households with people over 60 or elderly can have a maximum of $3,000 in liquid assets.
• Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents can have a maximum of $2,000 in liquid assets.
• There is no asset limit for the following households: households with children under the age of 19; or a pregnant woman living alone; or all members receive SSI or EAEDC.
• Cars and primary residences are not counted as an asset.

How much can a family expect to receive in SNAP/food stamp benefits?

• There is a maximum SNAP/food stamp benefit, based on family size.
• The actual amount of SNAP/food stamps the household receives is based on a formula.