If you live in Florida and have trouble affording food for yourself or your family, you can apply for food stamps through the Food Assistance Program. If approved, you will get monthly benefits to help you buy groceries and provide nutritious food for you and your loved ones.
Food Assistance Program
Florida's Food Assistance Program provides low-income families and individuals with funds for food purchases. If you qualify for the program, you'll receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is similar to a debit card. The Food Assistance Program automatically loads your funds onto the card each month. You can use the card to buy approved foods at participating farmers' markets, grocery stores and other food retailers.
Income Qualifications
As of 2011, the gross monthly income limits for receiving food stamps in Florida are somewhat higher than in other states due to the 2010 Gulf oil spill. A household's gross monthly income cannot exceed 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and its net income, calculated after various deductions, cannot be more than 100 percent of the FPL. These guidelines are in place until Sept. 30, 2011 after which time the standard limit on gross monthly income,130 percent of the FPL, may be reinstated. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be automatically eligible for food benefits through the SUNCAP program, which expedites the standard interview and application process required of other Food Assistance Program applicants.
Work Requirements
If you are an able-bodied adult between the ages of 18 and 50 and do not have to take care of children, you can only get food stamps for up to three months in a three-year period, unless you work, participate in "workfare" (a work program for people who receive government benefits) or undertake approved work training. However, this restriction does not apply if you live in an area where workfare or training programs are not available.
Food Restrictions
You can use your Florida food stamps to buy most types of food, so long as they are not hot or prepared food that you can eat in the store. Food stamps can also be used to purchase non-alcoholic beverages. You cannot use your food stamps to buy non-food items, such as paper napkins, toilet paper or food storage containers. In addition, you cannot buy over-the-counter medications, vitamins or other nutritional supplements with your food stamp benefits.
Tags: Assistance Program, Food Assistance, Food Assistance Program, food stamps, gross monthly, gross monthly income