Applying for Massachusetts Food Stamps
May 13th, 2009 | by myarticlenetwork |This site is designed to provide you with information regarding Massachusetts food stamps. Massachusetts food stamps is a program that helps provide food for low income individuals and their family members. In order to receive Massachusetts food stamps an individual must fill out and submit an application form which will be reviewed to determine if you meet the criteria set for the food stamp program.
What is the Criteria?
In order to qualify for the food stamp program you must meet certain guidelines, these guidelines have to do with your income your assets and the size of your household.
Maximum gross and net monthly income limits
Household size Gross monthly income Net monthly income
1 $1127 $867
2 $1517 $1167
3 $1907 $1467
4 $2297 $1767
5 $2687 $2067
6 $3077 $2367
7 $3467 $2667
8 $3857 $2967
Each additional member+$390 +$300
Besides your income you must also be a legal US citizen or resident there are some exceptions regarding immigrants who have been in the US for at least five years and fall on their one of the following categories.
* lawful permanent resident of the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), including Amerasian,
* refugee admitted under section 207 of the INA,
* granted asylum under section 208 of the INA,
* paroled under section 212(d)(5) of the INA for at least one year,
* deportation withheld under 243(h) or 241(b)(3) of the INA in effect prior to April 1,1997,
* granted conditional entry under 203(a)(7) in effect prior to 4/1/80,
* Cuban/Haitian entrant as defined in 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, or
* immigrant, parent, or child of an immigrant who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty in the U.S. by a spouse, parent, or by a member of the spouse or parent’s family residing in the same EU as the immigrant at the time of the abuse. There must be a substantial connection between the battery or extreme cruelty and the need for food stamp benefits and the individual must not reside in the same household as the abuser. if you plan on qualifying for Massachusetts food stamps you should first make sure that your income is not over a set amount. Other households may have up to $2,000.Once you have reviewed the criteria and have made a decision that you believe that you qualify you are ready for the next step which is to fill out application.
Application Process
The first step in completing an application for Massachusetts food stamps is to go online and download the application. which can be done online the application is very easy if you have gathered all of your data ahead of time. The individuals in your household that count as household members are
Spouses
§ Parents
§ Children under 22 years old
§ Children, except foster children, under age 18 who are under the parental control of a person other than their parents who is exercising parental control. For example, grandparents may apply for grandchildren in their care, even if they do not have “legal” custody. When you complete an application expect to spend about 20 to 30 minutes. It is important that you fill out the application as fully as possible. When you are finished with your application you should locate your nearest social service office and return it there.
What happens next?
after turning in your application a caseworker will be in contact with you if more information is required.Any additional information will be requested by e-mail. You also probably get a date for an appointment in the office or for a phone interview. It is important that you get the additional requested documents by that date of this appointment in order to make sure you are improved as quickly as possible. It is also very important that you keep your scheduled appointment, or having to reschedule will also set you back. once you have submitted any requested documents or proof of income and expenses to your caseworker. After the appointment you will receive another letter stating that decision in your case. Your plastic EBT card will be mailed to you upon being approved which the card will have to be activated by phone. After activating your card you may then start using it. The amount that you are approved for will be based on the size of your household and your income and expenses.