THE Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits include a variety of rules and offers that most Americans are unaware of.
Here are five hidden truths behind the program that served an average of 41.7 million people each month in 2024.
Items such as alcohol, tobacco, medicines, vitamins, hot foods and any food that will be eaten in the store cannot be purchased with benefits[/caption]
1. Spending Restrictions
SNAP has rules about what you can and can’t spend your benefits on. Benefits are to be used for food but can also go toward plants and seeds to grow food for a household.
Specific food items like meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, cereals, bread, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are considered eligible SNAP purchases.
The USDA outlines some items that cannot be bought with SNAP benefits, including non-food items like soap, toothpaste, paper products, household supplies, pet food and cosmetics.
Items such as alcohol, tobacco, medicines, vitamins, hot foods and any food that will be eaten in the store cannot be purchased with benefits.
2. No Taxes
Retailers cannot charge local or state taxes on items bought with SNAP benefits.
“For transactions involving SNAP benefits and another form of payment, only charge sales tax on the items that are not paid for with SNAP benefits,” the USDA said.
3. Shopping Online
SNAP users can shop using benefits online across all 50 states. The USDA provides a website with all participating retailers in each state.
Guam and the Virgin Islands have not yet implemented SNAP online purchasing.
Some popular retailers that accept online SNAP payments across most states include Aldi, Amazon, Costco and Dollar General.
New Mexico, the state with the highest number of people with SNAP, according to NASDAQ, accepts online payments at 20 retailers. Some of those stores include Walmart, Target, Sam’s Club and Whole Foods.
When shopping online, SNAP recipients are required to pay for delivery fees and any additional charges with other payment methods as SNAP purchases are restricted to eligible food items.
What are SNAP benefits?
Over 41 million people in America receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits each month.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income households to help people get groceries.
Recipients get money on a debit card that can be used at grocery stores and farmers markets.
The amount of money distributed depends on several factors including how much money you make, how much money you receive from other benefits, and how many people are in your household.
The electronic benefits can help people buy food including food and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snacks.
You can’t use SNAP to buy alcohol, cigarettes, hot foods, or cooking utensils.
Source: USDA
4. Several Ways to Apply
There are multiple ways to apply for SNAP benefits, including a paper application, an online form or by telephone. However each state operates differently.
Paper applications can be received over the phone, by mail, or in person from a SNAP office. The office will provide you with an application the same day you ask for one.
Paper applications can then be turned in by mail or in person to the SNAP office, with some states allowing emailed or faxed applications.
Those looking to apply online or by phone must look on their state’s website to determine if the option is available.
Connecticut offers three ways to apply, either online, by mail or in office. New York City allows for individuals to apply by phone during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, online, in person or through a mobile app.
5. Some Restaurants Accept SNAP Benefits
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is available in select states where individuals who do not have permanent housing to store or prepare food or cannot prepare food for themselves can purchase prepared meals at restaurants using SNAP benefits.
In order to be eligible to participate in RMP, all members of the household must be either 60 years or older, disabled, homeless or the spouse of a SNAP client who is eligible for the program.
According to the USDA, each state sets their own requirements for which restaurants and how many participate in RMP.
Nine states participate in the program, including Arizona, New York, Maryland, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Virginia, Michigan and Illinois–which is restricted to Cook and Franklin Counties only.
