Author: Geoffrey Brown
The U.S. government understands that food and shelter are two significant parts of people’s basic needs. That’s why SNAP, which is a nutritional assistance program, was created to help people take care of their shelter costs and sometimes medications.
You and millions of other Americans may be eligible for SNAP. So keep reading to learn how you can get more out of your food stamps.
What Can You Buy With EBT Card
The foods eligible for purchase through SNAP fall under the categories below:
- Vegetables and fruits
- Poultry, fish, and meat
- Dairy products like milk or cheese
- Bread and cereals
- Seeds and plants
- You may also buy some snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
What You Can’t Buy
- Alcoholic products like beer, wine, or liquor.
- Cigarettes or tobacco
- Medicines, supplements, and vitamins. (any product with a Supplement Facts label is considered a supplement).
- Any live animal (except shellfish, fish taken out of the water, or animals slaughtered and prepared for a pick-up from the store).
- Hot foods at the point of sale
- Petfood
- Nonfood items like cosmetics, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and other household supplies. (But some people in remote areas in Alaska may be allowed to buy some hunting gear because hunting is necessary for their survival).
Other Ways SNAP Benefits Can Help You
SNAP Deductions
SNAP provides more than just food and nutritional benefits. The program offers other benefits like deductions. These include shelter, medical, dependent care, and child support deduction.
Additionally, SNAP deductions aim to increase the number of benefits a person receives, so that it can be easier for beneficiaries to cover their basic needs.
Below are some of the deductions you can get from SNAP
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Excess Shelter Deductions
The excess shelter deduction is meant for households whose shelter costs exceed 50% of their income. The maximum allowable shelter deduction is $597. But there is no maximum for a household with elderly or disabled people. This limit is higher in places like Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska.
Deductible shelter costs include:
- Fuel for heating and cooking.
- Electricity.
- Water.
- The basic fee for one telephone.
- Rent or mortgage payments and interest.
- Taxes on the home.
Medical Expense Deductions
Any SNAP-eligible household with a disabled or older (over 60) person can deduct their medical costs that exceed $35 a month.
Earnings Deduction
SNAP beneficiaries who are employed, are eligible for a 20% deduction from their earned income.
Child Support Deduction
Any household with a member who pays child support is eligible for the Child support deduction.
Homeless Shelter Deductions
Some states provide homeless shelter deduction worth $159.73 to eligible SNAP recipients.
How To Make Your SNAP Benefits Last Longer
Double Your Food
This isn’t a benefit, but you can even double the food you buy at some farmer’s market. They Double Your Food Bucks or Double Dollars program to SNAP beneficiaries. The program was created for people to get double of what they paid for.
Other tips include:
- Make a shopping list of what you need before going to the store.
- Go for bigger packaged items.
- Create a meal plan and follow it religiously.
- Replace meat — beans and lentils are cheap, healthy, and good alternatives.
Conclusion
SNAP is a program created to help Americans meet their nutritional requirements. However, the benefits go beyond food, as the program also provides other assistance with deductions. These deductions assist people with shelter and medical costs, child support payments and other deductions that can improve the welfare of needy Americans. Also, you should report any decrease in your income to the food stamps office so you’ll become eligible for more food stamps.