The requirements for food stamps in Nebraska are decided by the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). In addition to determining factors related to eligibility for food stamps, the DHHS also helms the distribution process for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. To qualify for food stamps benefits in NE, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements of the SNAP program. Food stamps requirements make it mandatory for interested parties to fulfill income, citizenship, residency and work qualifications. In addition, SNAP eligibility in Nebraska means submitting several required documents in to the DHHS. To learn more about how to qualify for food stamps in Nebraska, review the below sections.
Learn About Nebraska Income Requirements for SNAP Benefits
Income-based requirements for food stamps in Nebraska are an important eligibility aspect, as the program exists to help low-earning individuals and adults with purchasing nutritious, qualified food and grocery items. To qualify for food stamps benefits in NE, applicants should first understand the income calculation system. Income requirements for SNAP revolve around the current Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Currently, to meet the qualifications for food stamp assistance financially, applicants must earn no more than 130 percent of the FPL. The FPLs are broken down into household size, and applicants with smaller households can qualify for NE SNAP benefits by earning much less than large households.
In addition, to qualify for Nebraska food stamp assistance, you must consider the countable resources of your household. Countable resources include any cash you may have to your name, along with bank account balances, stocks and bonds and investment sums. Your household can only have a certain total of resources valued in order to meet the SNAP qualifications in NE, however, that limit is higher if you have elderly or disabled family members residing in your household.
Next, income-based SNAP requirements in Nebraska factor in certain deductions. The allowable deductions under food stamps eligibility will give your household some flexibility if you cannot reach your FPL threshold. Deductions to your income that will help you qualify for food stamp assistance in NE include a standard household-size deduction, a 20 percent income-based subtraction, certain shelter costs, dependent care expenses, child support payments and medical care expenses over a certain amount for elderly or disabled person in the home.
To learn more about the requirements for food stamp benefits, download our free guide.
Learn About Nebraska Citizenship Requirements for SNAP Benefits
The NE food stamps requirements based on citizenship mandate all applicants of the SNAP program to be legally present in the U.S. For instance, those looking to qualify for SNAP assistance as citizens must be able to prove citizenship by supplying qualifying documents, like certified birth certificates or valid U.S. passports. Noncitizens, on the other hand, will only meet the SNAP requirements in Nebraska if they are able to submit immigration documentation, along with any other paperwork related to their relocation to the U.S. Ineligible aliens that will not qualify for NE SNAP benefits include tourists, alien visitors, diplomats, students without intention to leave their foreign homes and those who refuse to supply the requested immigration documentation.
Once citizenship is proven, to qualify for Nebraska food stamp benefits, you must be willing and able to provide your Social Security Number (SSN). An SSN is a federal identifier that is mandatorily requested by the DHHS, since SNAP is a federal initiative. Any household member who does not possess an SSN must make sure to apply for one prior to requesting food stamps through the DHHS. Eligibility for NE SNAP allows applicants to supply proof of SSN filing to meet the state requirements.
Furthermore, requirements for Nebraska SNAP include proving your state residency. Since SNAP benefits are distributed on a state level, in order to successfully obtain food stamps, you must reside within Nebraska state borders. To qualify for NE SNAP benefits as a state resident, you can simply supply your current driver’s license, state-ID card or another qualifying document that displays your current residential address.
Other SNAP Requirements You Must Meet in Nebraska
Additionally, eligibility for food stamps in NE means all Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) must meet the work requirements enforced by the DHHS. ABAWDs are considered beneficiaries who otherwise qualify for food stamps that are between 18 and 49 years of age and are of fit mind and body to work. ABAWDs will meet the work requirements for Nebraska food stamps so long as they are employed for 20 hours per work or are engaged in acceptable work training programs that satisfy the DHHS work mandate. However, there are certain beneficiaries that are automatically exempt from the work-related requirements for Nebraska SNAP, including disabled or elderly family members. ABAWDs who choose not to meet the work-based SNAP qualifications risk benefits revocation from the state.
Applicants Who Are Not Qualified for Nebraska SNAP Benefits
If you are still wondering how to qualify for food stamps benefits in Nebraska, take the time to consider the applicants denied SNAP benefits, regardless of meeting all of the above-mentioned qualifications. Those who are not eligible for food stamps vary by state, so even though you may qualify for SNAP benefits in another state does not mean you will meet Nebraska DHHS standards. The following applicants will not qualify for food stamps assistance in NE:
Students – Those enrolled in school for more than halftime will not be able to collect SNAP benefits, with certain exceptions.
Strikers – Workers on strike will not meet SNAP qualifications in Nebraska, unless the met program requirements the day prior to the strike ensuing.
Certain felons with drug convictions – Those who were convicted of drug-related felonies surrounding sale or distribution charges, those who have three or more drug convictions and those who do not meet the terms of their sentences will be denied SNAP assistance in Nebraska.
Download our guide to read more about how to qualify for food stamp assistance.