It takes seven to 30 days to process a food stamps application in Jacksonville, Fla.
The food stamp program was devised as a way to help American families provide food for themselves during the Great Depression. Years later, during the Johnson administration, the program was reintroduced and made a permanent source of aid for indigent households. Food stamps are available to needy families in Jacksonville, Fla., and anywhere else in the country, including Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and the Virgin Islands. Puerto Rico is the only U.S. territory that doesn't accept modern-day food stamps, as the territory works on a grant program.
What are Food Stamps?
Food stamps, which was given the new name Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in 2009, are a monthly monetary assistance provided to people in Jacksonville, or anywhere else, who need help buying food. How much a family qualifies for is determined by its financial situation. That amount is deposited onto a state-provided debit card, which approved applicants receive along with a personal identification number, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each month, for as long as your benefit period lasts, your benefits are deposited into your SNAP account for your use.
Who Qualifies?
American citizens, and qualified immigrants, who have low incomes can apply for SNAP. Immigrants who are approved to apply in Jacksonville include immigrants who have lived and worked in the country for five years or who receive disability assistance no matter when they came into the country, American Indians born in Canada and children of immigrants. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has set income guidelines for qualifying, which begins at $1,174 a month in total income (before deductions) for one person and increases as family members are added. Each person increases the income maximum by about $400.
Apply
Anyone interested in getting SNAP in Jacksonville, Fla., can apply online, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families, or visit the Jacksonville Department of Children and Families to apply in person. Applicants should bring picture identification, Social Security cards for everyone in the family (or at least proof that Social Security numbers have been applied for), proof of income, proof of residence (such as an electric bill or a copy of a lease or mortgage statement) and proof of income.
Benefit Allotment Amounts
The maximum SNAP benefit amount a single person in Jacksonville, Fla. can receive is $200 a month as of 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This amount increases depending on how many people are living in the home. Whether a single person actually receives $200 a month in assistance is dependent upon his personal financial circumstances; he may receive less, but he can't receive more. Benefit amounts go up by about $150 for each extra person in the home.
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