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has the right to give the program its own name so SNAP may be avail- able under another name in your state.
Can I receive SNAP benefits?
Certain eligibility requirements need to be met and certain informa- tion provided about your household circumstances. Eligible household members can receive SNAP benefits even if there are other members of the household who are not eligible. U.S. citizens are eligible, some alien groups who have been granted permanent residency qualify, and certain non-citizens are eligible for SNAP. Eligible non-citizens include:
• Those admitted to the U.S. for humanitarian reasons, e.g., refugees
• Those admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence
• Many children, elderly immigrants, and individuals who have been working in the United States for certain periods of time
In 1996, the welfare reform act ended eligibility for many legal immi- grants, but Congress later restored benefits to many children and elderly immigrants, as well as some specific groups. The welfare reform act also placed time limits on benefits for unemployed, able-bodied, childless adults.
To participate in SNAP:
Households may have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account ($3,000 if at least one person in the house- hold is age 60 or older, or is disabled). The gross monthly income of most households must be 130 percent or less of the Federal poverty guidelines The 2012 Federal poverty guidelines can be found in the Appendix B at the back of this volume. Poverty guidelines are updated each year by Federal agencies. Certain resources, such as a home, are not counted. Most able-bodied adult applicants must meet certain work requirements, and all household members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one.
The Office of Family Assistance