SNAP Eligibility

SNAP eligibility rules and benefit levels are, for the most part, set at the federal level and uniform across the nation, though states have flexibility to tailor aspects of the program. Individuals must pass all eligibility rules to receive food assistance benefits. Some of the eligibility rules are:

• Identity - Applicants must provide proof of their identity.
• Work Rules - Frequently Asked Questions - Healthy adults, 18 to 50 years of age, who do not have dependent children or are not pregnant, may receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period if they are not working or participating in a work or work training program.
• Income – Most households must pass a gross income limit less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
• Deductions – Some household expenses may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget. The budget may subtract for shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, and earned income deduction.
• Residency - Individuals must be a resident of Florida.
• Citizenship - Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or have a qualified noncitizen status.
• SSN - Individuals must provide a Social Security Number or proof they have applied for one.
• Child Support Cooperation - Certain individuals must cooperate with the state's child support enforcement agency to prove a child's legal relationship to their parent and to get the court to order child support payments.
• Assets - Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,500 ($3,750 if the household contains an elderly or disabled member.
• ReportingChanges - Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size and when work hours of able bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.

Ineligibility

Reasons for SNAP ineligibility include:

• Conviction of drug trafficking,
• Fleeing a felony warrant,
• Breaking SNAP Program rules,
• Noncitizens without a qualified status, or
• Students attending an institution of higher education at least half time, in some circumstances.