High inflation impacted us all equally during the pandemic, we all paid more for our food. This was in addition to many people seeing their incomes severely affected by the lockdowns. To this day, many people still have problems making ends meet and for them there is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Many individuals experienced pay cuts, reduced work hours, or even job losses, leading to severe financial strain. These income losses, coupled with high inflation, created a situation where individuals had to allocate a larger portion of their limited budgets to basic necessities like food. The SNAP benefits program emerged as a lifeline for those struggling to feed their families. The state of Kentucky (United States) was specially impacted, and the SNAP system is the lifeline for endeavouring economic vicissitudes.
The SNAP benefits as a solution: How to apply in Kentucky
Residents of the state of Kentucky can apply to receive SNAP benefits, but they must meet certain requirements. The criteria for selecting beneficiaries are not the same in each state, because locally, each region has its particularities and living costs. Generally, applicants must provide documents such as proof of income, information about the size of the household (number of people), and expenses.
Potential recipients can apply for SNAP benefits online, in person at local SNAP offices, or through community organizations that help with the application process. In fact, only people with U.S. citizenship and immigrants who comply with all legal regulations can apply to receive food stamps. According to the State of Kentucky, a qualifying household cannot have more than $2,250 in cash and assets. If a household member is 60 or older, the household cannot have more than $3,500 in cash and assets.
Do I have to work in order to qualify for SNAP benefits?
The quick answer to this question is: not necessarily, but there are particularities. Members of the beneficiary household who are between 18 and 59 must be participating in the work registry and, in certain circumstances, even young people aged 16 to 17 should be registered to work. Some exceptions may apply, but it varies in each case.
You may qualify for SNAP benefits sooner after you apply under certain circumstances, if:
- Gross household income is lower than rent or mortgage costs, added to utility bills.
- Resources such as cash or bank accounts total $100 or less and the monthly gross income is less than $150. This is considered a critical situation and could speed up the approval of benefits.
- Your household includes members who are destitute migrant or seasonal farmworkers.
Applying for the EBT card in Kentucky
The Kentucky state administration of SNAP benefits (which also manages other programs such as TANF and WIC) will verify your eligibility to receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT card).
The basic requirements are as follows (but not limited to):
- Being below the income threshold in Kentucky.
- Low household resources.
- Number of people in the household.
- Total amount of gross and net household income.
- Be a legal resident of the U.S.
Regarding the monthly Gross Income Limits, Kentucky’s income threshold for 2023, an applicant must be below these parameters. Read carefully, because there are two categories. The government of the state of Kentucky has a comprehensive website with all the data you must require to propely apply and obtain the SNAP benefits.