NJ SNAP (Food Stamps)

The Food Stamp Program is a federal program that provides a monthly allotment of Food Stamp benefits issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (ATM cards).

The Food Stamp Program is an entitlement program. Food Stamp benefits may be used to purchase most foods at participating stores. They may not be used to purchase tobacco, pet food, paper products, soap products, or alcoholic beverages.

Eligible households must be given the opportunity to receive Food Stamp benefits no later than thirty days from the date of application. Individuals with specific circumstances must be given an opportunity to receive Food Stamp benefits no later than seven days from the date of application. Food stamps help single people and families with little or no income to buy food.

No, they are not cash. Food stamps are benefits that you can use only for the purchase of food. Food stamp benefits come on a plastic card that you use like a bankcard. Many food stores accept food stamps.

People who live together and buy food and prepare meals together are grouped as a "household." Husbands and wives and most children under the age of 22 must be one household.

Yes, you must have or will have to get a Social Security number for each household member.

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 will not hurt you if you want to become a citizen.

Yes. However, in most cases, once enrolled in the Food Stamp Program and you are able to work, you must look for work, go to training, or attend an activity.

Households with a member aged 60 or older may have up to $3,000 in countable assets. Other households may have up to $2,000.

The Food Stamp Program does not count the house you are living in and up to $9,500 of the fair market value of one car.

Allowable deductions are:

• 20% of earned income
• A standard deduction of $314
• Medical expenses over $35 a month for elderly or disabled members
• Certain dependent childcare costs: no more than $200 for each child under the age of two and $175 for each other dependent
• Legally owed child support
• A percentage of shelter costs

You must apply for food stamps. Office locations and phone numbers are listed below. When you apply, you should bring with you:

• Identification
• Social Security numbers for all household members
• Proof of all income
• Documentation of resources
• Alien status
• Proof of shelter costs
• Disability documentation
• Proof of medical expenses for elderly and disable household members
• The name, address and telephone numbers of your childcare provider(s)

To learn more about the Food Stamp Program, please visit the United States Department of Agriculture's website.

Although you can apply for food stamps at the Atlantic County Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) offices, the Food Stamp Program is separate from cash assistance. Applying for food stamps does not count toward the five-year lifetime limit on welfare benefits.