Determining Your Food Stamps Eligibility

Food stamps eligibility, or in other terms, the likelihood of acquiring government assistance through the Food Stamp Program, is dependent on a number of personal variables. Food stamp benefits are based on gross and net incomes. Dependent on the state (food stamps are distributed through state governments) an individual may be disqualified from receiving food stamps if they do not have a family or children to feed. In addition, individuals who are disabled or elderly have higher food stamps eligibility than those who are able to seek employment.

Again, food stamp eligibility varies greatly between state regulations and the interpretations of their specific food stamp program. For the generic food stamps eligibility scale, the amount of benefits received is determined by adjusted income and household size following the following exemptions: a standard deductions, a deduction for dependent care, a 20% earned income deduction, a deduction for child support paid by a household member, a limited deduction for medical expenses for elderly or disabled individuals, and a limited deduction for shelter care expenses.

Regardless of the state, all local government's will review an individual's application in what is referred to as a "screening process." A pre-screening tool can be found at any department's website. Essentially these resources calculate the applicant's food stamp eligibility and then offer the expected amount of benefits based on the applicants. To possess food stamps eligibility an applicant must register for work and constantly seek employment. In addition, all applicants or recipients must also verify their monthly gross income. Each program possesses a cap on monthly income; those who exceed the cap are not eligible for receiving food stamp benefits.

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