- Basic eligibility requirements for Nebraska's SNAP program are determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2010, a household cannot have more than $2,000 ($3,000 if at least one person in the household is disabled or older than 65) in countable resources and still receive SNAP benefits. If you already get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), your resources are not counted. Retirement or pension plans or vehicles used to produce income are also not counted.
- To be eligible to receive food stamps in Nebraska, your gross monthly income cannot exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty level, or your net monthly income more than 100 percent of the poverty level. Most families' incomes must be below both figures in order to qualify. However, a household that includes a senior citizen or someone receiving disability payments may only have to prove an income lower than the net. As of 2010, this amounts to a net monthly income of $903 for a single person, or $1,838 for a family of four.
- The ACCESS Nebraska website provides pre-screening guidelines that can help residents discover if they qualify for SNAP before completing an application online. You can also download an application from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service site or pick one up in person at one of their offices. ACCESS Nebraska allows you to check your application status, reapply once you are approved, and view your current benefit amount and history.
- Once you are approved for SNAP, you will receive an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which works like an ATM card at approved food vendors. In order to use the card, you will need to create a personal identification number (PIN). Nebraska EBT cards can be used in all states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands.
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