Many Americans rely on food stamps, or SNAP benefits to provide food and meals to their family.
This makes it more important to know when they might expire and what you need to do to renew them.
If you forget, delays due to COVID-19 could draw out the time it takes to fix the issue, causing your family to lose the benefits until it’s fixed.
Make sure to be proactive so this doesn’t happen to you.
Related: 22 states will give Americans more food stamp SNAP benefits in January worth $95
Who can get food stamp SNAP benefits?
Eligibility requirements depend on the state you live in.
The food stamp program is federally funded, but the government has states handle their distribution of funds.
If you’re determined eligible, you’ll get food stamps to cover from that point back to when you applied.
Related: Are states giving Americans more emergency food stamp SNAP benefits in January?
How long do you get benefits and how do they expire?
When you’re approved you will be told how long they’re good for.
This is known as a certification period.
You’ll receive a notice before your period ends that you need to re-certify to avoid losing these benefits.
Related: If you claim food stamp SNAP or Social Security benefits, you’ll soon receive them faster
In New York state, you’re notified two months before the end date and given a packet to help with the recertification, application and all.
An interview will already be scheduled for you.
Many states require proof of income before they will renew your benefits.
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