This is what an “illegal” has to do to get on Food Stamps -

Before I start, let me just say that my sister had to go on welfare for a short time last year.  The qualifications to go on welfare are, quite literally, insane.  You must be destitute before you can even get a case worker to see you.  You must not own any assets, must not have any kind of credit-related expenses (like a mortgage, auto payment, etc).

Luckily, my sister, after all the hoops she had to jump through, qualified for food stamps.  And she was extremely limited in how her money could be spent, which thankfully, was not a problem for her, as she’s kind of a health nut.  It also does not allow for the purchase of alcohol, cigarettes, and junk food or sodas, either.

Oh, there’s one more doozy – you can’t even own your own car (in most states, if you are allowed to own a car,  it must be so low in value that you shouldn’t be able to sell for a reasonable amount to get out of poverty – most states max out between $1,500 to $5,000).

So, you’ve got no car, no job, and no home to call your own.  It is only up until you’ve reached that point that you are allowed to file an application for food stamps (which is really more like a debit card, only usable in some stores, and is not issued for very much money).

My sister moved up north to Washington to live with me when she ran out of those benefits.  She was living with my brother until that point.  She owned no car, relied on public transportation, and her most expensive asset, by that point, was a portable DVD player and small color T.V.

I count her and myself as one of the lucky ones.

The Food Stamp (FS) Program is funded by the Food and Nutrition Services of the United States Department of Agriculture. Each state administers its own program but the eligibility rules are Federally mandated. How you apply for FS benefits will vary, some, from state to state but the general guidelines and requirements are the same. Generally speaking, it is fairly painless for an eligible individual or family to apply, qualify and receive FS benefits but there are a few things to consider.

Steps

1. 1

   Visit the USDA FNS website, before applying in person, to learn about the program and your possible eligiblity. Have some idea of your standing before you make the trip. Note: Living in a disaster area may also qualify you for one or more of the programs.

2. 2

   Locate the closest Eligibility Services office in your state. Call them to make an appointment. While on the phone, learn what documentation is required to prevent multiple trips. Locate your state’s hotline phone number at FNS Contact Information website.

3. 3

   Gather your latest utility and rent bills, paycheck stubs or income statements, and Social Security card. Call again to ensure you have everything.

4. 4

   One of many requirements is a statement that you buy and prepare food separately. If you live with a roommate, whether or not they are also applying for assistance. This can be also true of relationships where the couple is not married or a mother and a grown child. Please see your state requirements for exact wording. This can help your total amount of benefits.

5. 5

   Be prepared to spend much of the day in the office. There will be several forms (be legible and neat) and interviews. Take some bottled water and snacks. If with a child, be bring all necessary childcare items: formula or food, diapers, a quiet toy or two, etc.

6. 6

   Expect finger imaging. Many states now use finger imaging to help prevent identity theft and other types of fraud. This information is confidential, used only if fraud is indicated. Typically this is done with a scanner (it’s not messy).

7. 7

   Don’t put yourself down for applying. Bad things happen to good people, and this program exists because it is desperately needed. Just because you need help right now is not a reason to be ashamed. You probably don’t need that stressful emotion in your life right now.

8. 8

   Protect your card once approved. (The FS card resembles a credit card.) If your card is lost or stolen it is hard to replace.