Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do you apply for food stamps if you are receiving Social Security Survivor benefits for your children?
It appears that the income you are receiving from SS benefits exceeds the amount of money a person can earn to receive food stamps. In some cases they say no right away and you can try and appeal the outcome to see if they will review your case and change their minds.
This website I am going to give you has a place to click to find out what you do in your state as my understanding is every state is a little different:
In my state you can apply for SNAP when you apply for Medical Assistance and it is done through the Department of Health (DOH).
You have to tell them (in my state and I assume all--but I hate to assume) all of your dependents and if your dependents have things like the Social Security survivor benefits.
All questions must be answered fully and accurately. Many states have in person venues where you can get help and I encourage you to take advantage of those in person places.
Your elected state representative can help you if you need it. I found mine by putting in my town name and the phrase state representative into Google. He came right up and I was lucky his office was right down the street. The services there are free (paid for by taxes).
Post back with an update.
I am a widower. Can I file for food stamps for myself, daughter, son, and son's mother (we not married)? I'm living with my son's mom (my ex). My son is 16 and my daughter is 10. I know I can file for me and the kids with no problem, but I don't know if I can add my ex to the food stamps application.
Would I be able to do that? Would I lose my surviver benefits as a widower?That would be up to your social/case worker to decide. They will look at assets, income and number of vehicles of everyone living in the home. Also, are you listed jointly on any banking records or vehicles.
When I directed a crisis center, we had several cases where one roommate got assistance and another did not.
My 19 year old son's father died a couple years ago. He is currently receiving survivor benefits because he is still in high school.
Should his benefits be counted as household income when qualifying for food stamps?It seems that all sources of income from social security count towards household income for the SNAP program. I would double-check if I were you.
Hi,
Yes, it does. Survivor benefits are counted by social security as income. Here is the number to contact, if you have any questions about what income is counted.
Social Security Customer Service
1 (800) 772-1213
Have a blessed day!
---Robyn
I am a retired eligibility worker. Yes, the money is counted, however that does not necessarily mean that you don't qualify. Food Stamp budgeting is complicated. Many things are considered, such as the age of household members, the source, earned or unearned, of the income, shelter costs relative to income, medical expenses of the elderly or disabled members. It's too complicated to explain here entirely. I would urge you to apply, since it's free and you may very well be able to benefit.
Please ask this question at your local Family Services office as some states use different criteria for finding someone eligible for food stamps.
This is not a site that can supply you with a determination of this type of benefit as we do not have the information needed to make such a determination.
If you have applied for food stamps and you were turned down or given lower benefits then you can appeal that decision.
If you need assistance you can contact your congressman (find them with your zip code) and ask for their help. Try to visit their office in person and be sure to take any correspondence you have received in regards to this problem.
Childrens income ( even if they are working) do not get counted as income against food stamps so why would a childs survivor benefits
