by Joseph Nicholson

Created on: January 26, 2009

Effective October 1, 2008, the name of Idaho's Food Stamp Program changed to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The name change coincided with a change in the program to bring it in line with the US Department of Agriculture's assistance program. Essentially, there is no other food stamp program specific to Idaho.

Finding out if you qualify for federal food stamps is as easy as visiting the SNAP

screening tool. The step-by-step directions will ask questions such as the number of people in the household, their citizenship status, age, and assets. It's estimated that at the start of 2009, as many as 28 million Americans were receiving food stamps, more than at any time prior. But, while just about everyone can always use a little help making ends meet, not everyone qualifies for this particular type of assistance.

Generally speaking, to qualify for food stamps, an individual must also have a Social Security Number and valid identification. Those who are able-bodied enough to work, that is to say are not disabled, and are below retirement age, are usually limited as to the amount of support they are eligible to receive unless they can prove their employment or participation in a work program at least 20 hours per week. Fugitives and other felons usually do not qualify at all.

Whether an applicant for food stamps is working or not, there are also restrictions on their income and the amount of assets they can have. The average gross monthly income per food stamp household was $648, and the average benefit was $84 per person per month. The requirements are based on the federal poverty line, which in turn depends on the number of individuals in the household, so check here for the applicable figures. For most states, the federal poverty line for a household of four in 2008 was $21,200 annually, or $1766 monthly. Qualifying households typically have a monthly gross income (before taxes) less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty level AND net income (after taxes) less than or equal to 100% of the federal poverty level.

Once the SNAP application is submitted, an interview will be necessary, for which you will need an appointment. Important documents to bring to the interview include valid identification, pay stubs, letters indicating government benefits, utility bills, such as electricity, gas, and heating oil, cancelled checks for child daycare and a mortgage statement if you own your house.

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