Government assistance programs intended to help low-income families, such as TANF and SNAP, presently provide benefits to thousands of homes.
Even though the goal of both programs is to reduce financial stress, their reach and qualifying requirements are quite different.
Formerly known as Food Stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to assist low-income or no-income households in purchasing essential food items.
Beneficiaries receive benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can only be used to purchase authorized food items from approved retailers, including meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and more. Unlike TANF, SNAP benefits cannot be withdrawn as cash.
On the other hand, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides financial aid to low-income families with dependent children.
While TANF funds can also be accessed through an EBT card, beneficiaries have the flexibility to use the money for various necessities beyond food, such as rent, household items, personal hygiene products, and non-covered medications. Unlike SNAP, TANF recipients can withdraw funds as cash.
Moreover, the eligibility for TANF is usually restricted to pregnant women, children under the age of 18, and jobless or underemployed people with dependent children under the age of 18. Help is fleeting and sometimes only available once in a lifetime.
Understanding SNAP and TANF
On the other hand, all families that satisfy the income standards for SNAP are eligible, even if they do not have dependent children, and the program offers indefinite support.
Households meeting eligibility criteria can simultaneously receive benefits from both TANF and SNAP, with some states offering streamlined application processes for dual enrollment.
Regarding SNAP eligibility, income thresholds vary based on household size, with adjustments made for allowable deductions. Once approved, beneficiaries receive monthly benefits loaded onto their EBT cards, with notification required if income surpasses 130 percent of the federal poverty level.
EBT card usage is straightforward, with beneficiaries required to select a PIN and make purchases based on designated benefit loading dates. Authorized food purchases include a wide range of items, from traditional grocery staples to seeds for home gardening.
However, ineligible purchases encompass non-food items such as paper products, pet foods, alcoholic beverages, and hot prepared foods.
For further inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the state Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at 1-800-869-1150.
Understanding the distinctions between SNAP and TANF, as well as the eligibility criteria and authorized purchases, empowers low-income households to make informed decisions about accessing essential assistance programs.