Could you use help paying for food each month? Find out about SNAP!

Could you use help paying for food each month? Find out about SNAP!

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly referred to as the Food Stamp Program) helps eligible lowincome people/families buy food. Per applicant, average monthly benefit was $124/month for 2017*. *Amount awarded varies and is based on income/expenses. Many low-income college students may qualify!

Students participating in any school meal plan are NOT ELIGIBLE Students being claimed by a parent on income taxes must apply with their family (not as an individual) Students under age 22 living with parents must apply with their family (not as an individual)

SNAP benefits CAN be used to buy: any food or food product for human consumption, seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food. SNAP benefits CANNOT be used to buy: Hot foods ready to eat, Food intended to be heated in the store, Lunch counter items or foods to be eaten in the store, Vitamins or medicines, Pet foods, Any nonfood items (except seeds and plants), Alcoholic beverages, Tobacco

Follow these 3-steps to find out! Look at your current school enrollment status If enrolled < half-time: To qualify you only need to meet income requirement* If enrolled > half-time: To qualify you must meet BOTH income requirement and additional criteria requirement* * Must also meet general requirements listed on prior SNAP eligibility slide Move on to Step 2 and 3 for income and additional criteria requirement

Look at your income level Specifically check your gross monthly income. Gross income is your total monthly income from all sources before any deductions*. To qualify you must meet the following income criteria: Number of people in your household 1 $1,659 2 $2,233 3 $2,808 Maximum Gross Monthly Income (as of Oct. 2017) *Financial aid received through private scholarships and Veterans Administration count as income

View Additional Criteria Requirement* Must meet at least one of the following to qualify *Only applies if enrolled more than half-time Paid employee working an average of 20 hours each week Working in a federally funded work-study position (any number of hours) Self employed at least 20 hours each week Receiving Unemployment Compensation Responsible for the care of child (specific age requirements apply) Unable to work due to physical or physiological difficulties

Check out this online screening tool to see if you may be eligible: https://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/

Complete and submit an application online at: https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access or Walk into a DHS SNAP office and pick-up, fill out, and turn in a paper application. DHS Resource Center 361 West Old Indian Trail Aurora, IL 60506 Phone: 630-844-7400 Most offices offer same day or next day service.

After you apply a SNAP eligibility worker will meet with you either in person or over the phone for an interview. You will be asked to provide proof of identity, address and possibly other items. If approved SNAP funds are put an Electronic Benefit Transfer EBT card, similar to a debit card. You can use your card at participating grocery stores and farmers markets DHS has 30 days to approve or deny your application, unless you qualify for emergency SNAP.

Additional Nutritional Assistance Programs.. In addition to SNAP, the following programs can help make ends meet Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) For: Eligible, low income pregnant or breastfeeding women, new moms, and children under age 5. Visit: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/toll-free-numbers-wic-state-agencies School Nutritional Programs For: Eligible low-income, school-aged children. Contact your local school or school district Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) For: Eligible low-income people Visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/about-tefap All programs provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Food and Nutrition Service)

Don t forget AU Wellness Center staff can be a great resource to help answer questions or provide additional recourses. Location: house @1400 Southlawn, Hours: M-F 8:30am-4pm, Email: wellness@aurora.edu, Phone: 630-844-5434