Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

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SNAP benefits in Nevada are granted to residents who meet the requirements for the food stamp program. This food assistance program is formally referred to as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Benefits are granted in the form of monetary allowances each month. These funds can then be utilized to purchase nutritious foods at a variety of grocers, supermarkets and farmer’s markets. Many foods are permitted for purchase using food stamp benefits. However, beneficiaries must also be aware of the foods and products that are not eligible for purchase.

SNAP food benefits include an array of staple foods. These include vegetables, fruits, dairy and bread. Typically, recipients use an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card to make their purchases. The amount that beneficiaries receive each month is dependent on certain factors. Not every household receives the same amount of benefits. However, applicants can begin receiving their food stamps benefits within 30 days of application if they qualify.

Which food items can you buy using food stamps in Nevada?

Many types of foods are permitted for purchase under the Nevada SNAP program. Primarily, foods that are considered staples can be purchased. Products that are within this category are:

  • Bread, cereals and pastas
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Dairy and dairy substitutes
  • Meats, fish and poultry

Within the staple foods, recipients can use their food stamp benefits to purchase a variety of these products. For example, shoppers are not required to purchase fresh loaves of bread to satisfy the bread and cereals category. Instead, they can purchase any of the following:

  • Pita bread
  • Rice
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Tortillas
  • Pasta

Moreover, these products can be low-carb, gluten-free, frozen or fresh. The most important factor when purchasing these foods is that the first ingredient is wheat. Thus, a large variety of wheat-based products can be purchased with SNAP benefits.

In addition, the NV food stamps program participants to purchase varieties of other staple food products. For instance, a shopper can purchase one pound of loose potatoes or a frozen bag of tater tots. Likewise, recipients are not obligated to purchase whole pineapples. Instead, they can select canned or frozen pineapple pieces.

Other eligible foods include an assortment of snack foods and beverages. These are considered accessory foods. Chips and crisps along with pies, cakes and doughnuts are all eligible for purchase using SNAP assistance funds. Additionally, ice cream, chocolate, gelatin and carbonated beverages can be purchased as well. Furthermore, products that are meant to supplement or complement foods are eligible for purchase. This includes:

  • Spices
  • Sweeteners
  • Extracts and flavorings
  • Baking soda
  • Condiments

Participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may also purchase certain seeds and plants with their benefits. Only seeds and plants that can produce foods for consumption can be purchased. An array of plants can produce ingestible foods including:

  • Fruits trees
  • Onion bulbs
  • Basil plants
  • Peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Asparagus crowns
  • Beetroots

To learn more about the food items you may purchase with food stamps, download our free guide.

Products You Cannot Buy Using Food Stamps in Nevada

Although a wide variety of foods can be purchased using SNAP food benefits in Nevada, there are many foods and products that cannot be bought using food stamp assistance. This limitation is placed on all products that are not considered foods. However, it is also placed on a number of food and ingestible goods.

Alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products are not eligible for purchase using food stamp benefits. This includes beers with low levels of alcohol and chocolates filled with liquor. Cigarettes, liquid for e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco are also disqualified from purchase.

Additionally, beneficiaries are not permitted to buy ammunition or firearms using their food assistance funds. All non-food items are disqualified from purchase. This includes:

  • Clothing
  • Cleaning products
  • Paper products
  • Toiletries
  • Cosmetics
  • Gardening supplies
  • Pet food

Certain items that are made for consumption are not eligible under SNAP program guidelines. Vitamins, supplements and medicine are ingestible products that cannot be purchased with food stamp benefits. These items contain a Supplemental Facts rather than Nutritional Facts label and thus do not qualify.

Furthermore, a number of food items with a Nutritional Facts label are not allowed to be purchased using a SNAP assistance allowance. This includes prepared foods such as those sold by restaurants. Food items that are sold prepared and hot are not eligible for purchase. This includes:

  • Teas
  • Coffees
  • Barbecue chicken
  • Steamed shrimp
  • Chili

Moreover, foods prepared to be on-site consumption are not eligible. However, if this prepared food is meant for off-site consumption, then it is eligible. Learn more about the products you may not buy using your SNAP benefits by downloading our free guide.

How are food stamps benefits amounts calculated in Nevada?

Different households receive different amounts of food stamp benefits. Several factors are considered when determining a family’s allowance.

The primary factor used to calculate SNAP food benefits is income. A household must earn below a certain threshold to qualify, and the family will receive a particular monthly allowance depending on the specific income amount. Applicants with lower incomes typically receive a greater amount of benefits.

In addition, the amount of members living in the household is taken into account. This is because larger households will need more food assistance. Thus, a family with more family members will qualify for more benefits.

An online food stamp calculator can be useful for some residents seeking to estimate their benefits. However, it is important to keep in mind that such a tool will not provide an accurate result. Only the SNAP calculator used by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) will be accurate.

When do you start receiving SNAP benefits after applying in Nevada?

The day that applicants begin receiving their SNAP benefits in Nevada depends on several factors. Generally, residents seeking food assistance benefits can begin receiving their allowances between seven and 30 days after the DWSS receives the request and starts the application process.

Certain applicants are eligible to receive SNAP food stamps within seven days. Households with little or no monthly income are likely to qualify for immediate benefits. However, these applicants must show proof of their incomes and resources like all other applicants.

All other applicants who are accepted into the food stamps program can expect to receive their benefits within 30 days. The exact length of time that it will take to process a resident’s application depends on numerous factors including:

  • Whether the applicant provided accurate information.
  • The number of total applicants for the program.
  • SNAP resources.

Last Updated: February 24, 2023