SNAP Benefits
Since the AmeriCorps living allowance is not considered a wage or income, most AmeriCorps Members are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, or food stamps. Specific criteria for eligibility, as well as the online application, are available through www.yourtexasbenefits.com. Typically, Members who have access to more than $5,000 of liquid assets (accessible funds or resources) are not eligible for these benefits. Additional income outside of the AmeriCorps living allowance may also affect your eligibility. NOTE: Roommates are not considered part of your household for SNAP application purposes.
Members should complete the SNAP application at www.yourtexasbenefits.com as soon as possible, as it often takes several weeks for SNAP benefits to get set up. If you need help with your application, please contact the AmeriCorps Operations Manager. If at least one member of your household qualifies for SNAP benefits, you may be eligible for a reduced-rate internet subscription from AT&T for just $10/month. Visit www.att.com/access or call 1-855-220-5211 to see if you qualify for this program.
Using SNAP Benefits
You can use SNAP benefits at most major grocery outlets (H-E-B, Target, Costco, etc.). You can also use them at some specialty and health foods stores, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Wheatsville, etc. Farmers markets, such as Greenmarkets in NYC, accept SNAP benefits to promote better healthy buying options.
Although there are no nutritional standards for food purchased with SNAP benefits, there are some guidelines that provide distinctions about foods that may not be purchased with SNAP benefits. Please review the list below for more insight on those limitations
YES:
Food or food products meant to be eaten by people.
Vegetable seeds and food-producing plants, roots, and trees for family consumption.
Baby formula, diabetic and diet foods.
Edible items used in preparing or preserving food such as spices, herbs, pectin, and shortening.
Water and ice labeled for human consumption
Snack foods
NO:
Prepared hot foods in grocery stores.
Medicines, vitamins, or minerals.
Any prepared food (hot or cold) sold and meant to be eaten at the store.
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
Cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, and cooking utensils.
Pet supplies
How to Obtain a Lone Star Card
As an AmeriCorps member, you may be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Your monthly living allowance is not considered income for the purposes of determining eligibility for many Federal assistance programs based on need, including food stamps. Ask your program staff to provide you with a letter verifying your living allowance amount.
Unless someone else can claim you as a dependent, you have another significant source of income, or you have a substantial amount of money in savings, you will most likely qualify for food stamps.
In Texas, food stamps are issued in the form of a debit card, called the Lone Star Card, which is supplied with funds on a monthly basis by the Texas HHSC. The Lone Star Card is accepted by most Texas grocery stores and some farmer’s markets, just like any other credit Card.
Check out this website for some more information:
https://hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card
What to Expect When Visiting a Food Pantry, Food Distribution or Mobile Food Pantry
When you arrive, the agency representative will ask you to fill out a basic form to show that you live in the area and ask that you declare that you need help with food. Please bring a photo ID or other documentation (such as a utility bill). You are not required to show proof of Income.
http://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/doc/pdf/ct-emergency-food-assistance-referral-listpdf-0