Facts & FAQ
SNAP Facts:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. You may be able to get SNAP benefits if you:
- work for low wages;
- are unemployed or work part time;
- receive social services or other public assistance payments;
- are elderly or disabled and live on a small income; or
- are homeless.
Generally, state public assistance agencies operate the program through local offices. The following rules apply in most states; but some have different rules.
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive is based on the USDA Thrifty Food Plan, which is an estimate of how much it costs to buy food to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for your household. The estimate is updated every year to keep pace with food prices.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program defines a household as a group of people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together. If your household passes the program's eligibility tests, the amount of benefits you receive depends on the number of people in your household and on how much monthly income is left after certain expenses (deductions) are subtracted.
For most households, SNAP benefits are only part of their food budget; they must spend some of their own money along with their SNAP benefits to buy enough food for a month.
For more information or to apply for SNAP benefits, you should contact your local Social Services Office.
SNAP Frequently Asked Questions:
Many households have trouble making ends meet each month; after paying rent, utilities, transportation, and child care, there's often little left over to buy nutritious food. But it doesn't have to be that way. Each month, thousands of households across the state turn to the Nevada State Division of Social Services (DSS) to receive assistance in the form of SNAP benefits to help feed their families. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available to individuals, families, elderly and/or disabled persons who meet specific income, resource and other requirements. Read on to learn how you can receive help if you qualify.
SNAP Questions:
- What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
- Where do I apply for SNAP benefits?
- Aren't SNAP benefits only for people who are low income?
- We have a hard time buying food each month, but I would be really embarrassed to have my neighbors see me use SNAP benefits.
- How do I apply if I am in a domestic violence center for abused persons and will my whereabouts be kept confidential?
- What if I don't have a family?
- What are the income guidelines?
- What about things I own, such as a car?
- Am I allowed any deductions for my expenses?
- What's the most help I can expect?
- How do you figure out the exact amount my family will receive?
- Can I fax or mail my application to the Social Services office?
- What should I bring with me when I apply and/or am interviewed?
- What if I miss the interview appointment?
- What happens once I get to the Social Services office?
- If I receive SNAP benefits can I qualify for other food programs?
- How soon will I get benefits?
- How do I find more information about food nutrition?
- Do I have to be a United States citizen to get help?