In 2022, over 42 million United States residents were using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), officially known as food stamps; Montana ranks 38th in the United States for SNAP participants.
There are certain rules and regulations when it comes to using SNAP, and certain things that you can and cannot buy with your SNAP benefits.
WHAT CAN YOU BUY:
1. FOOD
2. SNACKS
3. SEEDS/PLANTS THAT PRODUCE FOOD
WHAT YOU CANNOT BUY
1. ALCOHOL
2. TOBACCO (ANY KIND)
3. VITAMINS
4. LIVING ANIMALS
5. READY MEALS (e.g. hot delicacies)
6. ALL NONFOOD HOUSEHOLD ITEMS (e.g. toilet paper, paper towels, soap, etc.)
How do you know if you qualify for SNAP benefits?
According to the Montana DPHHS, these are 5 rules of thumb:
- People who live together and shop for groceries and cook meals together are grouped together as a “household” for SNAP. Husbands and wives and children under the age of 22 living with their biological parents, adoptive parents or step-parents must be considered as one household.
- Household members wishing to be enrolled must be US citizens or legal aliens.
- Household members who wish to be enrolled must provide or apply for a social security number.
- The income and resource guidelines listed in this overview must be observed.
- Non-disabled household members ages 16 to 59 must register for work and may be required to participate in a SNAP employment and training program unless a specific exemption is met.
There are certain unique instances where you will receive your benefits within 7 days if you are eligible for expedited benefits. (Information below is sourced from DPHHS)
- Households with a gross monthly income of less than USD 150 And $100 or less in cash and cash equivalents; or
- Households of migrant or seasonal workers with cash of $100 or less; OR
- Households with a combined gross monthly income and liquid assets less than the monthly rent (or mortgage) and utilities of the household.-DPHHS
HOW TO APPLY FOR SNAP
If you need the resources provided by our state, do not hesitate to reach out and fill out an application.
51 Common Points You Think Montana Goodwill Accepts But Don’t
When it comes to cleaning the garage, closet, or storage unit, it’s important to remember that many places need donations of all kinds.
It’s also important to realize that there are things that places like Goodwill do NOT take. For many different reasons, here is a list of items that Goodwill will NOT accept as donations.
There is also a list of games that do not meet consumer product safety standards. Call (800-638-2772).
Here are the top 10 tourist attractions for those visiting Montana
Montana is known by several nicknames. Big Sky Country, The Treasure State and The Last Best Place to name a few. Millions of people travel to Montana each year to partake in its beauty while often seeking outdoor adventures. From skiing to rafting, fly fishing to snowmobiling, Montana can certainly be described as an outdoor paradise.
No matter the time of year, there is always something to see and do in Montana. Here’s a look at the top 10 tourist attractions for those visiting Montana.