The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamps program, helps low-income families afford nutritious food. If you are having trouble affording food for your household, you may be eligible for SNAP benefits. The SNAP program is available to anyone who meets certain requirements, regardless of if they are elderly, disabled, employed, or receiving other forms of assistance. If you are having problems providing enough food for your family, read on to learn how to know if you qualify for food stamps.

Your eligibility for SNAP is based on four main criteria: your citizenship status, family size, household income, and certain expenses (such as rent and utility bills). Although SNAP is a federal program, each state's eligibility requirements and benefit amounts are different. Be sure to ask your local SNAP office for assistance if you are unsure of your eligibility for the program. The steps listed below will help to determine if you may qualify for SNAP benefits.

If you make above a certain amount you are considered ineligible for SNAP benefits, regardless of your expenses. There are two tests to determine if you meet the income criteria, the gross and net monthly income tests. Your gross monthly income is the amount of money that you receive before adjustments, deductions, or exemptions. Your net income is the amount of money you receive after adjustments, deductions, or exemptions have been taken out. In general, each household must meet BOTH of these tests. A household with an elderly or disabled individual must only meet the net monthly income test. http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/eligibility.htm#income

You have just determined that your income meets the gross and net monthly income tests, and now it is time to further determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits. Remember, eligibility and amount of benefits are based on several factors and vary by state. The SNAP Eligibility Pre-Screening Tool http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/SNAP is an excellent resource to use if you feel you may meet the requirements but do not want to waste efforts applying if you are uncertain you will be accepted. The Pre-Screening Tool will let you know if you qualify and will give you an approximate benefit amount. This is a useful step as it will prepare you for the actual application process, where you must provide the information you have gathered for the pre-screening. Be sure to gather the amounts of your income, rent (or mortgage), utility bills, child support, day care expenses, medical expenses (if you are 60 or older, or disabled), and/or SSI (supplemental security income), social security or VA payments prior to using this tool.

If the Eligibility Pre-Screening Tool has determined you to be a candidate for SNAP and has given you an estimate of your monthly benefits, it is time to apply! You must go to your local SNAP office as the pre-screening tool is not accurate and cannot be used to apply for benefits. Every state's rules for SNAP eligibility are slightly different, so even if the pre-screening tool says you are ineligible, you may still want to contact your local office. http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/map.htm Some states allow you to access the SNAP application online, though not all states will accept online applications. http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/applicant_recipients/apply.htm