There are over 18 million veterans living across the country. At times, they may experience financial difficulties, just like non-veterans do. These times may be brought about by losing a job, being in between jobs, or because they are not able to find a job that pays a high enough salary to meet their monthly needs. The good news is there are government programs that can help during these difficult times, including food stamps for veterans.
Many people know the government nutrition assistance program as food stamps. For many years, that’s what it was referred to around the country. There are still a few states that refer to the program as food stamps, but the official name for the government program is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In the state of California, the food stamp program is called CalFresh.
The food stamp program name was changed in 2008, by the Obama administration, in an effort to reduce any stigma associated with the name. Since the term is still widely used around the country, you should be able to inquire about food stamps at any local social services office, and they will know the program you are referring to.
How Food Stamps Works
The food stamp program provides grants to help people be able to purchase food. Those who are approved for the program will receive a debit-style card. Each month, there will be a grant electronically added to the card. You can then take the card to the grocery store or farmer’s market and use it to pay for your groceries. The benefit can be used to purchase a wide variety of foods, including produce, meat, beverages, and more.
Years ago, people used to have a little booklet of paper food stamp dollars and they would use those to pay for their groceries. Today, using the debit-style card nobody in line or around you knows you are paying with food stamps, further removing any stigma associate with getting the assistance.
How to Qualify for Food Stamps for Veterans
The biggest determining factor in whether or not you are eligible to receive food stamps is your income. You have to meet the low income requirements in order to be approved for the program. The amount of your monthly benefit is determined by how many people are in your household, as well as what your income level is. Additionally, you will need to be a citizen or legal immigrant to receive food stamps.
Part of the application and qualification process for food stamps includes providing the documentation that is requested. Be prepared to provide such documents as your proof of address, social security number, proof of income, and proof of identity. You may also be required to submit additional documentation, and you may need to participate in a short interview at your local social services office.
As long as your economic situation remains the same, you will continue to be eligible to receive food stamps. There is no time limit on how long you can receive the benefit. If your situation changes, such as if a dependent moves out of the home or you start earning more money, then your benefit amount may be changed or eliminated.
How to Apply for Food Stamps for Veterans
Once you are approved for food stamps, it’s usually around 30 days before you receive your first benefit. There is emergency assistance for those who are unable to wait the 30 days. Your SNAP card can be used anywhere in the country that accepts food stamps. If you don’t use all of your food stamps during the month, they will be rolled over and added to the following month’s balance.
Before applying for food stamps it is a good idea to make sure you have all of your necessary documentation and identification so that your application is expedited. If you don’t have the necessary items needed to apply, your application process will be delayed. To apply for food stamps you need to contact the social services administrator in your state. Some states allow you to apply online, while others require you to do so in person. If you have to apply in person, you will visit your local social services office. To apply for food stamps, click here.