Food Stamps
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The Food Stamp Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with the focus on nutrition. The program issues monthly benefits redeemable at authorized food retail stores with an EBT card. Eligibility and benefits levels are based on household size and income.
The food stamp income limits enable the families’ earnings to be up to 130 percent of the poverty level to qualify. To help in the transition to self-sufficiency, the Food Stamp Program can be continued for families leaving temporary assistance to move into the work place. For more information, contact the USDA at www.usda.gov
Regulations state that certain household members must apply together. These individuals would include spouses who reside together, children under the age of 22 residing with their parent, and any minors under 18 living with an adult who provides parental control. This would include non-related household members who buy and prepare meals together.
- How to Apply
- Am I Eligible for “Expedited” Food Stamps?
- Where Can I Apply?
- Additional Food Stamp Eligibility Criteria
For more information please call us at 315-366-2211
How to Apply
- To apply for Food Stamps in Madison County, you can apply with a food stamp application LDSS-4826 or you may complete an online application at www.myBenefits.ny.gov.
- You may have a face-to-face interview or telephone interview.
Am I Eligible for “Expedited” Food Stamps?
You may qualify for “expedited” food stamps if your household meets the following criteria:
- Household with less than $150 in monthly gross income provided their liquid resources (i.e., checking or savings accounts, saving certificates, and lump sum payments) do not exceed $100;
- Migrant or seasonal farm worker households who are destitute, provided their liquid resources do not exceed $100;
- Eligible households in which all members are homeless; or
- Eligible households whose combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less than the households rent/mortgage plus heating/utilities.
If eligible your household could receive food stamps up to five days after the application has been submitted to the local agency.
Where Can I apply?
- You may apply in person at the Madison County Department of Social Services from 9:00 – 5:00, Monday – Friday.
- You may apply online at www.myBenefits.ny.gov
- You may apply with the N.O.E.P. from Community Action www.capmadco.org
Additional Food Stamp eligibility criteria
Income
- Households must meet income tests unless all household members are receiving TANF or SSI. Most households must meet the gross and net income tests, but a household with an elderly member or who is receiving certain types of disability has to meet the net income test.
- The gross income is the household’s total, non-excluded income, before deductions are taken.
Deductions
- 20% deduction from earned income
- Standard deduction of $147 for a household size of one-to-three people, $155 for four people, $181 for five people, and $208 for six or more people (beginning October 1, 2011)
- Dependent care deduction for work, training, or education
- Medical expenses for elderly members that is higher than $35 per month, if not paid by insurance or other person
- Legally owed child support payments
- Excessive shelter costs that are more than half of the household’s income after the other deductions
Employment Requirements
- Able-bodied adults without dependent children between 16 and 60 must register for work, accept suitable employment, and take part in an employment and training program.
Special rules for Elderly
- A person is elderly if he or she is 60 years of age or older.
Special rules for Disabled
- Receives federal or state disability or blindness payments under the Social Security Act including SSI
- Receives annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act and is eligible for Medicare
- Is a veteran who is totally disabled, permanently housebound, or in need of regular aid and attendance
- Is a surviving spouse of a veteran who is receiving VA benefits and is considered to be permanently disabled
Immigrant Eligibility
- Legal immigrant must have lived in the country for five years
- Are receiving disability-related assistance or benefits
- Beginning October 1, 2003, are children regardless of date of entry