2108.Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
2108.1What is SNAP?
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 changed the name of the Food Stamp Program to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP safeguards the health and well-being of the nation’s population by raising levels of nutrition among low-income households. SNAP benefits are paid by means of an electronic benefits transfer (EBT), or other means of providing assistance.
2108.2How does an SSI applicant or recipient apply for SNAP benefits?
Social Security offices provide information about SNAP to all SSI applicants and recipients and offer the opportunity to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits while in the office or during an initial claim or redetermination interview if:
You live alone or in a household where all members are either receiving or applying for SSI;
You are not already receiving SNAP benefits; and
You do not have a pending SNAP application.
SNAP applications may be taken with initial SSI claims or upon redetermination. You have the choice of applying at a local Social Security office or at a State SNAP office.
2108.3How is SNAP eligibility determined?
SNAP eligibility is based on your household circumstances, not on your individual circumstances. The State SNAP agency determines your eligibility for SNAP.
For SNAP purposes, an SSI household is a household in which all members are either receiving SSI or have an application pending for SSI. Social Security offices forward the SNAP application and any supporting documents to the local SNAP office within one day of taking the application.