ASERL
What is the Food
Stamp Program?
Food stamps help single people
and families with little or no
income to buy food.
How do J get food
stamps?
Look in the government section
(blue pages) of your phone
book. You can find food stamps
under "social services department"
or "welfare department."
Call the food stamp office to set up a meeting with a
worker. Ask what papers you need to bring. The
worker will need to see your pay stubs, rent or
mortgage payments, utility bills, child- or elder-care
bills, and child-support orders (the court order and
canceled checks).
At the food stamp office you will talk with a
worker, answer some questions, and sign some
papers. If you can't go to the food stamp office,
you may send a relative or a friend to talk with the
.worker. Or you may be able to talk with a worker
on the phone.
Can J get food stamps just for
myself if J live with my family
or with others?
People who live together and buy food and
prepare meals together are grouped as a
"household." Husbands and wives and most
children under age 22 must be one household.
Will I have to get a social security
number?
Yes. you must have or will have to get a social
security number for each household member.
Can legal noncitizens get food
stamps?
You might be able to get food stamps. Talk with a
food stamp worker about this. Even if you can't
get food stamps, family members born in this
country can. Getting food stamps won't hurt you if
you want to become a citizen.
Can I get help if I'm not working?
If you're able to work. you must look for work.
take a job offer, or go to training.
How many assets can we have?
Households with a member age 60 or older may
have up to $3.000 in countable assets. Other
households may have up to $2,000.
We don't count the assets of people who are
receiving State cash assistance (TANF) or Federal
supplemental security income (SSI). We don't
count your home and up to $4,650 of the fair
market value of one car. We don't count a vehicle
that you need to carry a physically disabled
household member.
How much income can we have?
We count most types of income. Gross income
means income before any deductions. Net income
means gross income minus allowable deductions.
SSI and TANF households are already eligible.
Households without an elderly or disabled member
must meet both a gross and net income test.
Households with an elderly or disabled member
only have to meet a net income test.
For October 1, 1999, through September 30,
2000, the income limits follow:
People in Gross Net
Household Income* Income*
1 $ 893 $ 687
2 1,199 922
3 1,504 1,157
4 1,810 1,392
5 2,115 1,627
6 2,421 1,862
7 2,726 2,097
What are the allowable deductions?
• 20 percent of earned income;
• a standard deduction of $134*;
• medical expenses over $35 a month for elderly
or disabled members;
• certain dependent-care costs when needed for
training, education, or work, but not more than
$200 for each child under age 2 and not more
than $175 for each other dependent;
• legally owed child support; and
• a percentage of shelter costs.
*Amounts are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
If my household is eligible, how much
will we get?
For October 1. 1999, through September 30,
2000, the table below shows the most you could
get if you have no income. As your income goes
.!ilL the amount of food stamps you will get goes
down.
People in
Household
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Maximum Monthly
Allotment*
$ 127
234
335
426
506
607
671
*Amounts are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Are food stamps cash?
No. Food stamps are paper coupons that you can
use only for food. In some areas. food stamp
benefits come on a plastic card that you use just
like a bank card . Most food stores take food
stamps.
What if I have more questions?
You should ca ll your local food stamp office.
Good food choices promote a healthy
future at every stage of life.
• Food stamps expand your ability to eat a variety
of foods.
• The Food Guide Pyramid shows you how to
choose foods to eat a healthy diet.
Food Guide Pyramid
A Guide to Daily Food Choices*
Milk, Yogurt,
& Cheese
Group
2·3 SERVINGS
Vegetable
Group
3·5 SERVINGS
KEY
D Fat (naturally occurring D Sugars
and added) (added)
These symbols show fat and
added sugars in foods
Meat, Poultry, Fish,
Dry Beans, Eggs,
& Nuts Group
2·3 SERVINGS
Fruit
Group
2-4 SERVINGS
Bread, Cereal,
Rice, & Pasta
Group
6·11
SERVINGS
Source; U.S. Department of Agrlcultura/U.S. Depanmont ol Health and Human Services
* The Food Guide Pyramid is a guideline for
normal adults.
• Be physically active! Walk, jog, dance, or play
with your kids at least 30 minutes a day.
• Watch your weight! Choose lower fat foods like
fruits, vegetables, and skim milk.
• Drink plenty of water!
USDA United States Department oF Agriculture
~ Food and Nutrition Service
~ F S-313
October 1999
