SNAP/Food Stamps 101 Basics
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1/29/2015
SNAP/Food Stamps
101 Basics
Patricia Baker, MLRI
Lauren Arms Ledwith SNAP Outreach, UMass
Victoria Negus, MLRI
February 2015
What are Food Stamp/SNAP
benefits?
• Known as “Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program” since 2008.
• 100% federally funded entitlement
program – no wait list
• Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
2
SNAP-shot of Caseload in MA
• Oct 2014: 860K participants in 501K HHs
– 45% of HHs include seniors (60+) or persons with disabilities
– 63% are families with children (most are working families, some with disabled members)
• $1.3 B /year in federal SNAP dollars to MA
3
11/29/2015
Recent Drop in SNAP Caseload
2014 Changes to SNAP
• “Program integrity” measures
– Increased data matches (Jan – March 2014)
– EBT photo cards (Dec 2013 – Feb 2014)
• Job search/sanctions – (March 2014)
• New DTA business practices
– Electronic Document Management (Jan 2014)
– Task-based vs Case-based system (Oct 2014)
– DTA Assistance Line - Call Center (Oct 2014)
• 2014 Farm Bill – H-EAT option changes
Photo EBT Reminders
THREE types of valid MA EBT Cards in effect.
• Photo EBT - for “mandatory” card holders (about 45% caseload).
• Valid-without-photo - for “exempt” households: disabled, ages 60+,
under age 19, victim of domestic violence, religious exception.
• Blue EBT card - continues for “exempt”, no need for new card
RIGHTS:
• All household members can use EBT card regardless of photo.
• Retailers cannot inspect EBT cards (unless all debit and credit card customers
asked for ID. NO SNAP-only check out lines.)
21/29/2015
GOALS for Part 1:
Applications
The eligibility process –
– Application rights
– Verifications options
– Interview process
– Time frame for getting benefits
– Challenging denied applications
7
Basic Application Rights
• Apply in person at a local DTA
• Send an application to DTA by mail, by fax or on
line via the Virtual Gateway
• Apply at SSA District Offices for Bay State CAP
or regular SNAP (if SSI client)
• Receive EBT card by mail or in person
8
Application rights (continued)
• Designate an authorized representative to file for
benefits and/or receive the EBT card (different from
helping agency assisting with application)
• Have your cash (TAFDC or EAEDC) application
treated as SNAP application
• Get expedited (emergency) benefits if eligible
9
31/29/2015
Application Interview
• A phone interview is scheduled unless in-
person requested or information on file questionable
• Right to call in for interview any time after applying, or
if missed pre-scheduled interview
• An in-person interview cannot be required.
Right to waiver of face-face interview for hardship.
10
Verification Requirements
• Mandatory verifications for eligibility
– Identity and Residence
– Earned or Unearned Income
– Legal immigrant status (if not a U.S. citizen)
• Information/verifications for deductions
– Rent/mortgage and utility expenses – self-declare
– Child/adult care – self-declare
– Child support paid and legally owed
– Medical expenses (elder/disabled) > $35/mo
11
Verification Rights
• Be notified of required proofs and alternate proofs
accepted
• Get worker assistance to get documents including third-
party “collateral contact”
• Fax or mail in copies of verifications to Taunton EDMC
• If missing proofs provided…
– Get case re-opened within 30 days of denial
– Appeal within 90 days to get case reopened
12
41/29/2015
Receiving Expedited Benefits
• Eligible expedited household if:
– shelter costs > gross income and assets
– gross income < $150, assets < $100 or
– migrant household, assets < $100
• EBT benefits provided within 7 days of
“screening” for expedited
– Identity – only verification required
– SNAP benefits issued for one month
13
TIMELINE for Getting Benefits
• Day 1: Signed or on-line app received by DTA
• Days 1-7: Expedited screening done, card in hand and
benefits issued by Day 7
• Days 1-29: Must have had interview and received verif
checklist with 10 days from VC-1 to return proofs
• Day 30: DTA notice of approval, denial, pending denial
• Days 31-60: Right to reopen if missing verifications
• 90 days from denial notice: Right to appeal
14
Reporting Changes
• Semi-Annual or “Interim” Reporting
– Receive and return report to DTA at 6 mos
– Verify income and key changes
– No interview at interim report period
– Must report income if $$ > gross income limit
• Change Reporting (10 days of change)
• Monthly Reporting (TAFDC h/hs)
• DOR wage matches
15
51/29/2015
Recertification Interview
• Interview (by phone) required at case
review - called “recertification”
• NO interview for elder/disabled HHs if:
– No earned income in household
– Recert form and proofs rec’d are complete
– No questionable information in recert form
16
App/Recert Advocacy Tips
•Confirm application and client proofs were
received and are being processed—
– Keep all fax receipts and list of documents sent
– Setup “My Account Page” (MAP) with client to view notices
– Call DTA Assistance Line: 877 382 2363
•“IVR” option to learn last date Taunton received document
•Speak with case manager to see if case is being processed. Ask to review full document
history on BEACON
•Ask status of EBT card (if Xerox issued card to arrive within 30 days)
– Track all expedited eligible clients closely
•Make sure DTA screening done and EBT card is issued to arrive within 7 days.
• If cannot get through DTA Assistance Line
– Contact the local DTA manager if case is SNAP is closed/denied.
– Contact DTA Central Office: DTA Ombuds, 600 Washington St,
Boston MA 02111.
17
If you cannot get DTA to fix
the SNAP case timely
• Contact local State Rep/ State Senator:
http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/MyElectionInfo.aspx
• Contact Governor’s Constituent Services
office or on-line (insert):
http://www.mass.gov/governor/constituent-services/contact-
governor-office/
• Contact USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Regional office: 617-565-6435
61/29/2015
Questions?
• Questions about the application and
recertification process?
19
GOALS for Part 2:
Household and Individual
Eligibility
• Understand the “household” (HH) concept
• Understand “purchase and prepare” rules
• Maximize options for separate HH status
where permitted
• Understand college student eligibility
• Understand which immigrants qualify
20
Program Terms
“Household” (HH)
• Those persons living together who must be
included in a single SNAP grant
• SNAP “household” not the same as TAFDC
“assistance unit”
“Purchase and Prepare” (P&P) rule
– Customarily buy and prepare “a majority” of
meals together (for ex, more than half of 21 meals/week)
21
71/29/2015
“Purchase and Prepare”
Rule for SNAP HH status
Some persons who live with others, but
P&P most food apart – separate HHs:
• Unrelated adults living under same roof
• Adult siblings 18+ living together
• Children > age 21 living with parents
22
NO Separate HH status
The following must be in the same SNAP
HH - even if not sharing food or income:
– Spouses living together
– Children < age 22 living w/ parent
– Unrelated children < age 18 where
adult supervises or financial support
23
Separate SNAP Households
in Shelters & Group Settings
Even if a person does not “p&p” food
separately, residence* in the following
allows for a separate HH status:
• Homeless shelters
• Domestic violence shelters
• Certified Group homes
• Senior congregate living programs
* NO SNAP if residence in hospital or LTC facility
81/29/2015
Separate SNAP for Elder and
Disabled Households
• Persons with disabilities (regardless of age)
who get help with purchase & preparation,
but consume separate meals
• Person both disabled & elder (60+) who
purchase and prepare and share meals
with others, if gross income of caregivers
they live with is below 165% FPL
SNAP Options for Households
with Foster Care Members
• HH has option to include or exclude foster
child or disabled foster adult
• If excluded, none of foster payments or
other income of foster child/adult counts
BUT
• Foster child/adult cannot get own SNAP
benefits separate from caregivers,
• Disabled fostered adult under 22 living with
parents, or disabled spouse, not separate
Work and Job Search
Requirements
• NO “voluntary quit” of job-within last 60
days of SNAP app – unless exempt
• Must do job search within 60 days of
SNAP app & recert
– Return form listing18 job contacts or
– Do 24 hrs job search activities
– Can’t refuse bona fide offer of work
• DTA must screen each HH member for
exemption, explain requirements/sanction
• DTA offer to reimburse travel, other job
search costs
91/29/2015
Job Search Exemptions
• Under 16 yrs or over 59 yrs
• 17+ and not in school part-time or college
• Pregnant women, parents of kids1/29/2015
College Student Rule:
• Affect students ages 18 to 50
• Enrolled half-time or more in post-
secondary education (e.g. college)
• Must meet one of 7 “exemptions” to
qualify for SNAP
Students Exemptions to Qualify
1. Work study (any number of hours)
2. Working 20+ hours/week
3. Caring for a child < age 12
4. Getting TAFDC
5. Disabled or > age 50+
6. Participating in E&T program
7. In community college program-career
based or will enhance employability
Students (continued)
• Students living with others may qualify for
separate SNAP HH (P&P rule applies)
• Students living at home under 22 years, added
to parent’s SNAP HH
• Most federal education $$ and Work Study not
count; non-fed educational $$ used for “living
expenses” does count
111/29/2015
Questions?
• Questions about college student
eligibility?
34
Key Qs for Immigrant HHs
1. What is current immigration status ?
2. Date of “entry” in this status?
3. Any prior immigration status before?
(such as prior refugee or asylee before LPR status)
4. Any work history of self, spouse, parent
done in US? Useful for LPR adult with 5 year wait.
35
SNAP “Qualified” Immigrants
• Immigrants in “Refugee” group
– Asylees
– Cuban/Haitian Entrants
– Amerasians
– Refugees
– Deportation Withheld, and
– Victims of Trafficking
– Iraqi/Afghan SIV holders
• Border Native Americans, veterans and
dependents, Hmong Tribe Members
36
121/29/2015
“Qualified” Immigrants (continued)
• LPR, Parolees, & Battered – FIVE (5)
year wait from date of entry EXCEPT –
– Children under age 18,
– LPR with 40Q of work history (work done by self, done
by parents before LPR turns 18 yrs, or spouse if married),
– Receives disability-based benefit, or elderly
with EAEDC and an MD statement
– Five years in U.S. have elapsed as LPR,
parolee, battered or combo of statuses
37
“Qualified” battered
immigrants
• Battered immigrant who is no longer living
with batterer qualifies if s/he has
– An approved/or pending family visa petition,
– An approved/pending VAWA self-petition or
– Is under cancellation of removal/
suspension of deportation.
NO five year wait for child of LPR or battered immigrant
38
Key Points for
Immigrant HHs
• Non-citizen can opt out of application
• But must verify income and assets
• NO reporting of undocumented to DHS
• Only if shows DTA a final order of deportation
• NO “public charge” if receipt of SNAP
• NO “sponsor deeming” for most HHs
• Special mixed household calculations
– Better calc for lawfully present immigrants who are ineligible
39
131/29/2015
Questions?
• Questions about immigrant eligibility for
benefits?
40
Part 3: Income Rules and
Benefits Calculations – Goals
• Understand “logic” behind the SNAP
calculation
• Understand countable and non-
countable income
• Review the “SNAP math” and learn
about quick calculators for math
41
THREE steps to calc benefits
1. Determine HH size and gross income –
does HH pass gross income test?
2. Determine HH net income – which
deductions are allowed and what income
remains?
3. Estimate benefit amount for HH
** NO ASSET TEST for most HHs **
42
141/29/2015
Non-countable income
Examples
• Fed educational aid, and most state aid
• Non-education loans
• Child support paid (not count as gross
income)
• AmeriCorps, VISTA, other stipends
• Tax refunds, Earned Income Credit
• Income from high school students < age18
• Certain 3rd party payments and non-cash gifts
43
Figuring Monthly Income
• Multiply weekly income by 4.333 (not 4 !)
• Average self-employment income
• Look at “anticipated” income over
certification period, not income from
terminated sources
44
Gross Income Tests
• 200% Fed Poverty Level
– HH with child under 19 or pregnant woman
– HH with elder (60+) or disabled person**
• 130% Fed Poverty Level
– Individual age 18 – 60, no kids or disability
– Sanctioned household (work sanction, fraud) and
must have < $2,000 assets
** If elder/disabled with income over 200% FPL - must have less
than $3,250 assets
45
151/29/2015
Calculate Net Income - Overview
SIX possible deductions to get “net” income
A. 20% earnings disregard
B. Standard deduction
C. Legally-obligated child support paid
D. Child care and adult dependent care
E. Medical deduction (if elder/disabled)
F. Shelter deduction or homeless deduction
46
A: Subtract 20% earnings
deduction
• Subtract 20% deduction off of gross
monthly earned income (wages or salary)
• For self-employed HH - take 20%
deduction off pre-tax gross income –
after business expenses but before FICA
and income taxes
47
B: Subtract standard
deduction
• Subtract flat amount – ALL HHs get
standard deduction based on HH size
– $155 (HH of 1-3 persons)
– $165 (HH of 4)
– $193 (HH of 5)
– $221 (HH of 6 or more)
48
161/29/2015
C: Subtract Child Support
Paid
• Legally-obligated child support paid by
HH member is treated as follows:
– Excluded from “gross income test”
– Added to gross income to get a higher 20%
earnings deduction
– Subtracted as an income deduction
49
D. Subtract Dependent Care
Subtract actual amount of child care or
disabled adult care costs –
– If needed for HH member to work, attend
school or look for work
– Includes costs of YMCAs, summer day
camps, after-school programs
– Includes private transport at fed mileage rate
E. Subtract medical deduction
• For HH member 60+ or disabled,
subtract med expenses > $35/month
– Use “standard medical deduction”- $155/mo*
– OR actual expenses if higher than $190/mo (higher
than $35 threshold plus $90 standard deduction)
Range of medical/health expenses including
co-pays, OTC meds and supplies, transport @ fed mileage
rate, other health care treatments.
51
171/29/2015
F. Subtract shelter expenses
• If HH is homeless – subtract homeless
deduction of $143 from remaining income
• If HH has shelter costs –
– $490 cap on shelter deduction or
– NO cap if elder/disabled HH member
52
What counts as shelter
costs?
• Monthly rent due or
• Homeownership costs – mortgage &
interest, insurance, real estate taxes,
PLUS
• A “Standard Utility Allowance” or SUA
– $ 634 – heating, cooling or fuel assistance
– $ 390 – electricity/cooking gas (if no AC costs)
– $ 45 – phone/cell phone only
What is the Standard Utility
Allowance (SUA)?
• Higher heating/cooling SUA:
– Heating costs separate from rent or mortgage
– AC costs (electricity in summer months)
– If HH receives regular Fuel Assistance (for
heat or for a portion of HH rent)
• Non-H/C SUA – electricity, cooking gas
• “Heat and Eat” $21/year special program
181/29/2015
4 Steps to Get Shelter
Deduction
#1 Calculate 50% net income before shelter
costs
#2 Find total shelter costs – rent or home
ownership costs plus standard utility
allowance
#3 Subtract shelter costs from 50% net
income
#4 Cap amount at $490/month; but NO cap
if elder/disabled member in HH
February 2012, MLRI
Estimate monthly FS/SNAP
• Calculate 30% of final HH net income
• Find maximum SNAP benefit on chart
based on number of HH members
• Subtract from max SNAP benefit 30% of
the HH net income
• This is the monthly SNAP benefit!
56
Review of Net Income Calcs
• NET INCOME is gross income minus
A. 20% earnings disregard
B. Standard deduction
C. Child support deduction
D. Dependent care deduction
E. Medical expenses deduction (if elder/disabled)
F. Shelter costs above 50% of net after (A) –
(E) deductions
57
191/29/2015
“Minimum” SNAP benefit
• 1 and 2 person HHs below 200% FPL get
“minimum SNAP benefit” of $15.00/month
(categorically eligible HHs)
• 3 or more person HHs below 200% FPL
put in “suspended” status, can get on
faster if change in income or expenses
February 2012, MLRI 58
Questions?
• Questions about the income rules and
calculations?
59
Sample SNAP Benefit Calculation
Earned Income $1,165.00 Shelter Deduction Calculation
Unearned Income +390.00 Rent/Mortgage $ 800.00
Total Income $1,555.00 SUA + 634.00
Shelter Cost $1,434.00
- Earnings Deduction (20%) -233.00
- ½ ANI - 583.50
- Standard Deduction -155.00
Shelter Deduction $ 850.50
Amount is Capped!
Adjusted Net Income (ANI) $1,167.00
- Shelter Deduction - 490.00
Net Income $677.00 Scenario: Family of 3
Go to Look Up Table or manually calculate SNAP (working mom w/ 2 children)
benefit:
Maximum HH Benefit (Chart) 511.00
- 30% of Net Income -203.00
Monthly SNAP Benefit $308.00
60
201/29/2015
Sample SNAP Benefit Calculation
Earned Income $ 00.00 Shelter Deduction Calculation
Unearned Income +1,200.00 Rent/Mortgage $ 600.00
Total Income $1,200.00 SUA + 634.00
Shelter Cost $1,034.00
- Standard Medical Deduction -155.00
- ½ ANI - 445.00
- Standard Deduction -155.00
Shelter Deduction $ 589.00
Adjusted Net Income (ANI) $ 890.00
- Shelter Deduction - 589.00
Scenario: Elderly Couple
Net Income $ 301.00 (fixed income with medical expenses)
Go to Look Up Table or manually calculate SNAP
benefit:
Maximum HH Benefit (Chart) 357.00
- 30% of Net Income -100.00
Monthly SNAP Benefit $257.00
61
Maximum Benefit Levels
October 2014 – September 2015
Maximum Benefit for Household Size
HH Size Maximum Benefit
1 194
2 357
3 511
4 649
5 771
6 925
7 1022
8 1169
Increase maximum benefit by $146 for each additional household member.
62 62
Helpful Calculators
• Project Bread: www.gettingfoodstamps.org
• Legal services:
www.masslegalservices.org/FScalculator
• Work sheet (pencil or hand calculator!)
63
211/29/2015
For more information
and assistance
• For clients denied or terminated benefits, refer cases to
local Legal Services or community advocates
• 2014 Food Stamp/SNAP Advocacy Guide and DTA
Policy Materials: www.masslegalservices.org
• SNAP client screening through Project Bread, see
www.gettingfoodstamps.org
64
SNAP 101 trainers contact info:
• Patricia Baker: pbaker@mlri.org
• Victoria Negus: vnegus@mlri.org
• Lauren Arms Ledwith: Lauren.ArmsLedwith@umassmed.edu
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