Rejected or facing delays to get food stamps? Three things to do

BEING denied food stamps can be difficult during a time of need, especially if you think you're eligible.

Similarly, if you're facing delays to get the support, we explain what to do.

The food stamps are also known as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

There are 42million Americans getting SNAP benefits, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The federal program ensures households facing tough times can still put nutritious and healthy food on the table.

If you've been denied food stamps

There's a wide number of criteria to qualify for food stamps, but the program is run by each state so they can decide.

Generally, it's limited to people with gross incomes up to 130% of the federal poverty line - but there are work requirements too.

Most read in Money

If you've been rejected, this could be due to it being determined that you don't meet the requirements.

If you disagree, you can appeal the decision.

Your first point of call should be the place you applied at, which is likely your local SNAP program or social services agency.

It may be that the SNAP application was denied in error, perhaps due to an administrative issue such as missing documentation or income details.

In that case, the denial could be quickly resolved and perhaps even reversed once the correct information has been submitted.

If you're still being rejected, you may have your application assessed by a fair hearing official.

This person will be well versed in all of the USDA food stamp rules and guidelines.

The fair hearing process is mandated by the Department of Agriculture, although the locations where each one takes place vary between counties and states.

If you receive a notice that tells you that your benefits have been denied, will be stopped or reduced, you can typically ask for one within 60 days from that date.

It's best to request a fair hearing in writing, either by writing a letter or using OTDA's Fair Hearing Request Form.

If you're facing delays

If you've been found eligible for food stamps but you're facing delays in getting them, you can also make a complaint.

How to do so will vary depending on where you live, so it's best to check with the place you applied.

For example, in New York, you can fill out a complaint form online or call 311 for assistance by phone.

Through that complaint procedure, you can also report issues with expired benefits, staff behaviour, how your case is handled and stores with minimum purchase amounts.

Read More on The US Sun

We explain whether college students can get food stamps.

We also round up what you can and can't spend the benefits on, where and how to use them online.

We pay for your stories!

Do you have a story for The US Sun team?

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK57zKilnrFfaX14hZFta2iqlZ%2BypMDEnWSdnZyWxrR5xaimnWWjqa6uvNJmn56koGQ%3D