The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is a federally-funded food program managed and provided through each state in the U. S. SNAP is fashioned to provide assistance to low-income people and families in lending food to the table. It is solid food and drink specific and other items such as prescriptions, pet food, alcoholic beverage, cigarettes and paper goods are not enclosed in the program. It is simple to apply for the Florida food stamps program by visiting a local social security office or locating it on the internet.
Yet, while it is a simple application, there are stringent guidelines for rendering assistance. Individuals must be U. S. Citizens, have a valid social security number and proof of Florida residency. Checking and savings account balances, wage and work history and any form of equity must be exposed. For those who fall below the latest poverty level, assistance is available. But, anyone between 18 and 50 years of age who is not impaired, must show proof of work for at least 20 hours a week.
Income and assets are then valued against monthly family expenses including rent, insurance and utilities. Other circumstances include whether any other fellow member of the house already receives federal help. Those who have been convicted of drug-trafficking or anyone who has violated an official court order are not eligible for food stamps.
While once being paper stamps, food stamps are no longer stamps at all, but in reality now a plastic card. Each card has a specific accredited balance which is used much like a paid credit or debit card. The difference is that at the end of the month, a food card is reset with a new balance. Any remaining funds cannot be carried through to the next month. To receive on-going benefits, recipients are scheduled for follow-up visits to affirm their financial status.
Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, is a separate program providing assistance specifically to mothers and their little kids. Recipients receive dairy products, infant formula, bread, cereal and more, supported upon the needs of the family. There are periodical check-ups of mother and children to find out they are receiving their proper nutritional needs.
For individuals down on their luck, there is help open and the Florida food stamps programme is just one method of assistance. You should not be made to feel ashamed, but instead take advantage of what assistance you can get when you are in need. The application form is simple and you may receive news within seven days or it could take up to 30. There will be an approval for those really needing help in keeping themselves and their family fed.
