Over Half of Americans Entitled to Food Benefits Don't Claim Them. Here's How to Apply

A recent report showed that a shocking number of households who could claim food benefits are not doing so. The amount that people receive varies depending on factors like household size, location, and income. For example, the maximum a family of four can receive in most states for the current fiscal year is $939 a month. But many eligible SNAP households aren't getting a cent.

"Despite all study participants being entitled to participate in SNAP and despite its potential benefits, less than 55% of eligible households participated in SNAP across all racial groups," per the SNAP study. Researchers at Johns Hopkins university also found that Black and multiracial households had higher rates of food insecurity than white households.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help low-income families afford nutritious food. Last year, around 42 million households received SNAP benefits. That's significant, but many more are entitled to receive assistance.

Why don't eligible households claim their food benefits?

The report authors describe the SNAP application process as "cumbersome" and say that this is the main reason so many low-income adults don't participate in the program. Other people don't even know that they might be entitled to the extra cash.

According to mRelief, a nonprofit that aims to make it easier to apply for food benefits, the average applicant needs to fill out a 17-plus page application or participate in a 90-minute phone call. "Many people don’t know they are eligible," mRelief said in a recent blog post. "Others choose not to apply due to stigma or the long enrollment process."

The eligibility requirements are pretty transparent, but they aren't super easy to understand. For example, to qualify for SNAP benefits in most U.S. states, households need to meet a couple of criteria:

• Gross income: This is the total amount of money you receive. In most cases, it must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line. For a family of four, this means earning $3,007 or less a month.
• Net income: This is the gross income minus any deductions, and it has to be at or below 100% of the federal poverty line. There are various deductions, including child support, medical expenses, and other costs. For a family of four, this means $2,313 or less a month.
• Assets: Households cannot have more than $2,750 in cash in their checking or savings accounts. If one member of the household is 60 or over or has a disability, they can still qualify for SNAP with $4,250 in funds.

There are various other requirements. For example, an unemployed adult with no dependents is only entitled to three months of benefits every three years. There are some exceptions to this rule, and some states do not enforce it. If you're not sure about the rules or find the criteria overwhelming, don't panic. Contact your state's SNAP office to find out if you might qualify.

How to apply for SNAP benefits

Food benefits make a difference to tens of millions of U.S. households. They can reduce hunger and improve families' ability to buy the food they need. Let's say your four-person household brings in $2,000 a month and you qualify for food benefits. Depending on the deductions you need to make, you might be able to claim more than $300 a month in SNAP payments.

If you think you might be eligible, consider what you might do with an extra couple of hundred dollars in your bank account each month. You might feel there's a stigma attached to applying for benefits or be put off by the amount of paperwork or the interview process. All those concerns are understandable, but try not to let them hold you back.

To apply, start with your local SNAP office. You will need to answer questions about your circumstances and provide certain documents. These may include pay stubs and other information about your income and financial situation. Other documents can include rent documents, property taxes, and your Social Security card.

The process varies by state. You'll need to fill out a form, which most states will let you do online. Your local SNAP office may then reach out to you to ask for additional documents or ask you for an interview. Bear in mind that it can take as much as 30 days to process your application, and claims have been delayed in some states recently.

Get outside help if you're not sure where to start

There are a couple of NGOs out there that can help people with their SNAP applications, including mRelief. The mRelief platform aims to simplify the process, including an eligibility screener that makes it easy to find out whether you qualify. The National Council on Aging also has a benefits check-up tool. Local food banks can also help you navigate the process.

If you do qualify for SNAP benefits, you will receive cash each month to spend on food. There are some restrictions on what types of food you can buy, but it covers items like meat, fruit and vegetables, dairy products, and bread. If you're a low-income household, don't miss out on a potential SNAP boost to your budget.