Whether you’re in the middle of open enrollment or just evaluating your company benefits, it’s important to do your due diligence. A little sleuthing can yield big results.
If you receive foodstamp card phone number, or SNAP, you may qualify for free government phones and data service via the Lifeline Assistance Program and Affordable Connectivity Program.
Know Your Benefits
Millions of Americans use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, to help them buy healthy foods. The program is a lifeline for many families during difficult times, such as the pandemic or a job loss. If you receive food stamps, there are certain steps you can take to maximize your benefits.
The first step is to understand how your benefits work. You’ll want to know your household size, income limits, and items you can purchase with your EBT card. Then, you can plan your purchases accordingly.
It’s also important to remember that any reduction in your household income may affect your SNAP eligibility. The quickest way to avoid this problem is to report your changes immediately. If you don’t, the agency will assume that your family is still above the maximum allotment limit set by law.
You can find more information about your state’s SNAP program online or at your local welfare office. Your caseworker can also provide more specific details. In addition to the monthly allotment, you can qualify for deductions if you have housing or childcare expenses or are an elderly or disabled household member. If you qualify for this deduction, it can significantly increase the amount of money you get each month.
Take Advantage of Voluntary Benefits
Millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps) to get the necessary food. While the pandemic emergency 15% increase in benefits has ended, older adults and other recipients can take several lesser-known steps to help maximize their SNAP benefits.
The first step is to identify your household’s gross income, which you earn before taxes or deductions. Then subtract expenses, and finally calculate your net income. This is the number that SNAP looks at to determine eligibility and maximum benefits.
Depending on where you live, there are ways to make your SNAP benefits go further. For example, many states have programs that double the value of your SNAP benefits at participating farmers’ markets and grocery stores. This can turn an apple a day into two apples a day for your family. Check to see if your state participates.
You can also use a rewards credit card to earn cash back on your grocery purchases. Most of these cards work at stores that accept EBT, so you can easily use them with your SNAP benefits. However, you should be aware that your SNAP benefits may be reduced if the money is spent on items other than food and essentials. You should consult your caseworker for more information.
Know Your Limits
If you receive food stamps, you know it can be challenging to feed your family on $939 a month. Inflation and high living costs have pushed millions of people into the program since the recession cut wages and jobs. And while there is a lot of talk about the return of the welfare queen and the surfer dude, it’s a fact that most SNAP recipients are working hard and trying to make their money stretch as far as possible.
One big mistake many SNAP recipients make is failing to report changes in income right away. This can cost you significantly in the long run as your benefits shrink.
Another big mistake is not taking advantage of deductions that are available to you. For example, many states allow you to deduct the cost of utility bills that are more than half your net income. In addition, if you have an elderly or disabled person in your household, you can deduct their out-of-pocket medical expenses from your monthly allotment.
The SNAP agency expects families to contribute 30% of their net income to food purchases. You can find out how much your expected contribution will be by calculating your gross income and subtracting any eligible expenses or deductions that you claim. It’s a simple math equation, but it’s something that only some people know about or understand.
Manage Your Account
If you’re on food stamps or another government aid program, you may qualify for free cell phone service through the Lifeline Assistance or Affordable Connectivity Program. Check whether your household qualifies on a carrier’s website or app. You may have to submit scans of your pay stubs or a W-2 form as proof of income. The availability of a paystub template makes it easier for businesses to create pay stubs and the process is usually quite quick and easy.
The SNAP benefit amount you receive is deposited to your Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT). Knowing how much money you have left on your EBT card is important so you can spend your money wisely and avoid causing more hardship. Many states have websites where you can easily see how much is on your EBT card, and some have mobile apps.
Assurance Wireless offers a range of cheap and free smartphones to New Yorkers who live on SNAP benefits. You will know exactly what phones the company offers once you go through the application process, but a quick look at their site should give you a good idea of the kind of devices available.
EASY Wireless also provides a Bring Your Device option for SNAP recipients, so you can use your compatible smartphone and qualify for their program. They provide a SIM kit and free activation for your existing smartphone, so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of multiple devices. This is a great choice for people who don’t want to change their habits or buy another phone.
