The Idaho food stamps program provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Officially referred to as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), this is a federal program that works to combat hunger by providing funds to residents who are struggling to afford food. In Idaho, the Department of Health and Welfare administers this program.
To qualify for the SNAP program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. In general, this nutrition program takes into account your household size and income to determine your monthly benefit allotment. By participating in SNAP, you can afford a variety of nutritious foods for you and your family. To learn more SNAP assistance, read the sections below.
Learn About Idaho Food Stamps Requirements
To receive food assistance, you must first meet food stamps eligibility requirements in Idaho. This includes:
- State residency.
- Household income and resources.
- Citizenship or legal immigration status in the U.S.
- Work requirements.
Because the SNAP program caters to low-income households, the most important requirement that applicants must meet is related to income. In general, these eligibility requirements consider your gross and net income, which is your income before and after taxes have been deducted. In order to meet SNAP eligibility, your income must not exceed the limits set for your household size.
For a family of four, the household’s gross monthly income must not exceed $3,007. This is representative of 130 percent of the federal poverty level. Moreover, this family’s net monthly income cannot exceed $2,313, which would reflect 100 percent of the poverty level.
Generally, your resources or assets must not exceed $2,750 to meet food stamp qualifications. This includes your bank accounts, investments, household vehicles and real estate property. On the other hand, household vehicles may not be included under certain circumstances.
In some cases, you do not have to go through the means test to verify your eligibility. If you are a participant of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you automatically meet SNAP income guidelines in Idaho.
On the other hand, if your income is considered too high, you will not qualify for SNAP. It is important to note that you cannot reduce your work hours or quit your job in order to meet these income requirements. In fact, the program has work requirements that you must abide by to obtain and maintain food stamps eligibility. This includes registering for work and accepting a new job if offered. Download our free guide to learn more about the requirements.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Idaho
If you would like to apply for food stamps in Idaho, there are several ways you may do so. You can:
- Submit your application in person at a local office.
- Apply by phone.
- Submit your application by mail.
- Apply by fax.
There are multiple office locations where you can apply for SNAP. Choose the one nearest to you to submit your application in person, and make sure to bring the appropriate documentation. You will need to complete an interview with a local representative and answer questions regarding your current financial situation. Applying in person is the quickest and most effective way to apply for SNAP in Idaho because you can complete the application process and interview in one visit.
If more information needs to be verified, an official representative will give you a list of documents to mail to the office. Otherwise, you will receive a notice that tells you which types of benefits you are eligible for as well as the amount you are eligible to receive.
You also have the option of applying by phone, mail or fax. In these cases, you will be contacted to come in for an interview or complete one over the phone. If you are deemed eligible, you will receive a notice in the mail about your acceptance into SNAP.
Along with your filled-out food stamp application form, you will need to bring or mail important documentation regarding your income, resources, expenses and immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen.
For income, you may be required to submit a copy of your paystubs for the past 30 days. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to bring in a copy of your resident alien card or copy of a resident document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). By downloading our free guide, you will learn more about the type of documentation you will need to apply for food stamps.
Find Out About SNAP Benefits in Idaho
The amount of SNAP benefits you are eligible to receive depends on your household size and income. The larger your household is, and the lower your income is, the more benefits you are likely to receive. While a household with two people can receive a maximum allotment of $516, a family of eight can receive up to $1,691.
As a rule of thumb, you are expected to spend about 30 percent of your income on food. You can calculate your monthly food stamp benefits by multiplying your household’s monthly income after taxes have been deducted by 0.3. Then, subtract the result from the maximum monthly allotment according to your household size.
If approved for SNAP, you can expect to receive your snap food benefits fairly quickly. In some cases, you can receive your benefits in as little as seven days. However, you must have a monthly gross income of $150 and less than $100 in liquid resources.
After your initial benefit disbursement, you will receive SNAP benefits on the same day every month on your electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. This will allow you to buy a variety of foods, from fruits and vegetables to meat, poultry and fish.
However, there are certain food items that you cannot buy using these benefits. This includes hot and cold prepared foods that are sold at your local grocery store or convenience store. Furthermore, the SNAP program prohibits the purchase of nonfood items, such as cleaning and household supplies, with an EBT card.
Contact Information
Name: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Phone Number: (877) 456-1233
Address: 1720 Westgate Dr. Ste A, Boise ID, 83704
Director: Dave Jeppesen
Last Updated: February 27, 2023