I've always thought we need to take care of those less fortunate so I fully support the existence of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) which many know as Food Stamps. I do have family members on it and they truly need more help then we are able to provide them as a family. What I have noticed is that the amount of people going on it is increasing faster than unemployment. Below I have researched and compiled some basic facts about the last 5 years of benefits paid along with basic rules to become eligible.
ELIGIBILITY
As the amount of people in the household increase the amount of Gross income allowed to be considered for Benefit payouts will at a rate of about $406 per person per month starting at $1174 ($14,000/year Gross).
Able bodied Adults without dependents in the house will only be allowed to receive benefits between 3months and 3years depending on specific income and situation. This is typically the plan College students will be on to supplement Food Plans and temporary solutions for people laid off or in between jobs needing a helping hand.
BENEFIT ALLOTMENTS
The minimal monthly benefit paid is $200 and raises slight for every dependent member of the household (rises approximately $143 per person on average). This number is based of the estimation that people spend about 30% of their net income on Food & Nourishment a month.
The National Average of benefits received per person is approximately $133 per person ($289 per Household). This is 140% of what it was in 2006 (a huge 22% jump occurred between 2008-2009 while the rest was a steady 1-6% increase year over year).
Average Benefits Paid (per person) Per Month by State (2006 - 2010)
Average Benefits Paid (per household) Per Month By State (2006 - 2010)
I'm interested in a discussion so please comment and subscribe to the article so we can collect and share ideas.
Additional Facts:
- In Washington D.C. & Mississippi more than 20% of citizens receive benefits
- As of Nov.2009 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 4 children are using the Food Stamp Program
- Over 20,000 people per day apply for benefits
- Number of People Participating has increased more than 4 million from Previous year. Chart of Rise of Members Receiving Benefits
- Benefits Paid to qualifying members has increased 214% since 2006 from 30 to 64 Brillion (Paid for with your Taxes) Benefits Paid Out (2006-2010)
So, now armed with the data, how do you know feel about Food Stamp Benefits? Answer a few questions in a sentence or two:
1) Do you feel the amounts paid out For Food Items are more or less than necessary for a typical household? Are they more or less than your own grocery bills?
2) Do you think the current time frame of 3 to 36 months encourages dependency on the program for unemployed able bodied adults?
3) Do the payout amounts & Income limitations per person/household indirectly encourage people into having more children/dependents and/or not seek better paying jobs?
What Are Your Thoughts?
