What is Snap Dollars?

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Most SNAP recipients who can work do so. ... For more information, see The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Includes Earnings Incentives; SNAP Helps Millions of Low-Wage Workers; and The Relationship Between SNAP and Work Among Low-Income Households.

SNAP benefits help supplement an individual's or a family's income to help buy nutritious food. Most households must spend some of their own cash along with their SNAP benefits to buy the food they need.

What SNAP benefits cover?

All households (except those with elderly or disabled members) must pass a gross income test (130 percent of poverty) to qualify for SNAP benefits.

The gross income is per household size and based on the gross monthly income received by all household members. Click here for SNAP income limits.

The amount of SNAP benefits you can get is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Thrifty Food Plan, which is an estimate of how much it costs to buy food to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for your household. This estimate is changed every year to keep pace with food prices.

The amount of SNAP benefits you can get is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Thrifty Food Plan, which is an estimate of how much it costs to buy food to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for your household.

SNAP benefits help supplement an individual’s or a family’s income to help buy nutritious food. Most households must spend some of their own cash along with their SNAP benefits to buy the food they need.

How to get a paper application - You may ask for an application in person from the SNAP office, over the phone, or by mail. You can also ask someone else to get one for you.

The SNAP office will give you an application form on the same day you ask for one. You can also download a State application at: SNAP State applications or directly from your State's website.

States should have their applications in every language in which they make a printed application available. This will enable you to print the application, fill it out, and send it to your local SNAP office right away.

How to turn in a paper application - You can take, send, or mail the form to the SNAP office. Some States accept faxed or e-mail applications.

The office will accept the form on the same day you turn it in, even if they cannot interview you on that day.

How to apply on-line - Some States accept applications on-line. You can find out if your state has an on-line application at: State on-line applications or you can access your State's website to find out if you can apply online.

How to apply by telephone - If your State develops a way to apply by telephone, their website or telephone system will let you know how to do this.

What information to provide - To begin applying, fill in your name, address, telephone number, and as much other information as you can.

If you are turning in a paper application form, sign it. If you are applying on-line or by telephone, follow your State's instructions.

Accurate information - All of your answers must be complete and honest.  If you knowingly give false information or intentionally fail to report required information, you may incur substantial penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and removal from the program.

The sooner you get the form in to the office, the sooner you can get your benefits, if you are eligible. If you qualify for SNAP benefits, you will get them no later than 30 days from the date the office got your application.

After you have turned in your application, the SNAP office will contact you to set up an interview to go over your application. A SNAP worker will explain the program rules and help you complete any parts of the application that you have not filled out.

Work Rules: With certain exceptions, able-bodied adults between 16 and 60 years of age must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, and take part in an employment and training program to which they will be referred by the SNAP office.

Income: Under SNAP rules, almost all types of income are counted to determine if a household is eligible. Most households must have income at or below certain dollar limits before and after deductions are allowed.

However, households in which all members are getting public assistance or SSI (or, in some locations, general assistance) do not have to meet the income eligibility tests.

Double SNAP Dollars is a collaborative program that helps low-income Montanans afford more fresh, local foods by providing a one-to-one match for every dollar of SNAP benefits* spent at participating locations.