Food Assistance Program assists in providing healthy meals
The federally funded Food Assistance program in the state of South Carolina is designed to assist low-income families in maintaining proper nutrition. Known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or S.N.A.P., the benefits cover food items with the exclusion of pre-prepared hot meals. Tobacco, alcohol and other household items also are excluded. All who live in the state of South Carolina may apply for the program but must meet the eligibility requirements for approval.
Application
Persons applying for the South Carolina Nutrition Supplemental program are required to fill out an initial application. Available online for printing or by mail through a phone request, the application asks general and specific questions concerning the person or persons requesting assistance. Questions about the number of persons in the household; their relationship to the primary, or person filling out the application; and their employment and financial situations are included. All persons living within the household must be listed on the application. Omission of any person is considered fraud and will result in denial of benefits.
Any property owned by the primary person or any household members is also questioned. Homes, automobiles and land ownership information must be provided.
Your signature as verification of truth is required on the application. The date must also be filled in. This piece of information is very important, as it is recorded as your date of application and determines the beginning and ending date of any benefits awarded to you or your household. The date will also determine the date when it is possible for you to apply again if you are initially denied benefits.
Financial Requirements
To receive benefits, you must meet certain household financial requirements. Typically, your entire household income must fall below 130 percent of the poverty level set by the federal government. Determination of your actual income includes, but is not limited to, earned wages, alimony, child support, owned property value and any other financial assistance, including Social Security.
The number of persons living in your household and the age of the persons is also a factor. These persons do not have to be the children of the primary person applying. They include any and all persons living in the same home and sharing the financial responsibility of the home.
Rent or mortgage payments, average utility costs and medical costs are also factors in your financial determination process.
Documentation and Interview
All applicants for the Food Assistance program are required to participate in a face-to-face interview with a qualified program professional. At this interview, you will need to present documentation. These items include Social Security cards for all persons listed on the application, proof of income in the form of pay stubs, utility bills, medical bills, proof of child care costs, and proof of identity such as a driver's license or state identification card.
If you are unable to attend a face-to-face interview for legitimate reasons of health or transportation, the interview may be waived or conducted via telephone. The documents must then be submitted by mail. This may cause a delay in approval of benefits.
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