Understanding supplemental nutrition assistance program SNAP

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 10% of U.S. households faced food insecurity at some time during 2020.¹ This means they were worried about having enough food to meet their families’ needs.

If you’re facing food insecurity and wonder how you’ll put food on the table (let alone cover all your other life expenses), there’s help available. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one resource.

What are SNAP benefits?

Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP is a government plan that boosts the food budget of eligible families so they can buy groceries. SNAP was designed to help Americans get back on the path to financial security when their income doesn’t cover all their expenses. By supplementing their food budget, it allows families to use more of their income for other basic needs like medical bills, utilities and housing.

• How does SNAP work? After applying, qualifying and receiving a monthly benefit amount, eligible families may use SNAP benefits to purchase food. SNAP funds are placed on an electronic benefits (EBT) card every month. An EBT card is like a debit card for eligible food purchases, allowing families to discreetly buy healthy food at grocery stores and other locations.

• What is the average amount of SNAP benefits? In 2020, the national average benefit per person was about $121 per month, or about $1.39 per person, per meal. Starting in October 2021, almost all SNAP households got a small, temporary increase in their SNAP benefits—about $12 to $16 per person per month. The exact amount may vary between households.²

• What are the eligibility requirements? Every state has different requirements, and there’s no risk to checking your eligibility. Most states look at household income, assets and U.S. citizenship or immigration status to determine eligibility. Each state has a different application form.

What other resources are available for people facing food insecurity?

Not everyone in need of support is eligible for SNAP. But there are still ways for families to get the healthy food they need, even if they don’t qualify. Every year, food pantries and meal programs distribute at least 4.3 billion meals in the United States.³ The Women and Infant Children (WIC) and Child Nutrition Programs also help supplement the food budgets of families in need.

Looking for access to healthy food and assistance for basic needs? Feeding America is a great place to begin. Through their network of food banks, you can get the help you need. They also provide a starting point for finding other federal assistance and charitable programs.

Every little bit counts

If you find yourself struggling to make ends meet, don’t get overwhelmed. Start small. Creating (and sticking to) a grocery budget and making tiny changes to your spending can make a big impact on your financial situation. Taking advantage of coupons can also help when you’re trying to make the most of every dollar. There are lots of ways to cook on a budget and uncover the best grocery deals, but the most important thing to remember is that if you’re just squeezing by, it’s not forever. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can get through it.

Here to help If you are a OneMain Financial customer and having difficulties making payments, we are here to help. Call your nearest branch, or 1-800-961-5577, to talk to a loan specialist or visit us at https://www.onemainfinancial.com/contact-us.

1. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-security-and-nutrition-assistance/
2. https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/a-quick-guide-to-snap-eligibility-and-benefits
3. https://www.feedingamerica.org