What Are the Eligibility Requirements for EBT Food Stamps?
Eligibility requirements for the Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, food stamp program include meeting income and citizenship criteria. The amount that a qualified family receives in assistance varies based on the case.
The first criteria for receiving food stamps is that all applicants have to be United States citizens or legal immigrants. For instance, a person who has a valid green card would qualify. All applicants must also currently reside in the U.S. A Social Security number is required for all citizens. Another requirement involves income. The household’s income must meet the level set by the federal government. The income level is based on the number of people in a household and their assets. For instance, a family of three could gross up to $3,298 as of February 2015 and still qualify for assistance.
Income that is counted when determining eligibility includes wages, strike benefits and child support. Income that is irregular, fuel assistance and tax refunds are not counted. A household that is receiving assistance through the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children or Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children programs are automatically qualified to receive benefits. A final requirement for food stamps involves working. Able-bodied adults are expected to work or seek work while receiving benefits.
