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Qualifying For Food Stamps Depends in Large Part on Location

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    Applying for food stamps has never been easier, but whether or not you qualify for them will depend on your income, number of dependents, and most importantly, what state you live in. Some states have very loose standards and want to ensure that everyone who needs food assistance can get it and other states are not as generous and have strict standards when it comes to who is eligible to receive benefits. The USDA's website provides a state-by-state check for you to see where your state stands, which you can visit by clicking HERE.

    I understand that discussing your food stamp stories may be difficult for many people, but if anyone wants to share their story of what the application process in the state they lived in was like then we welcome you to do so here. I readily admit that food stamps helped me out tremendously when I moved out to the state of Oregon and didn't have a job for my first couple of months. Oregon has one of the most relaxed laws in the nation with regards to food stamps and it helped me keep food on the table as I searched for a new job. Does anyone else have a similar positive story or was it applying for food assistance more of a nightmare for you?
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    That's a great source. I'm a firm proponent of food assistance, but it seems like the benefits don't come close to being enough to support someone who is struggling to keep food on the table.

    I admit that I'm not happy with how my home state of Iowa conducts their food stamp program. I did some research on it compared to other states and there are many other states who make it far less burdensome to qualify for benefits.

    It only makes sense to me that making sure everyone has a meal on their tables every night is something that no one should disagree with.

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    From what I understand, the stimulus bill actually addressed part of this concern and temporarily suspended work requirements for able-bodied single adults during the pandemic. That means many people who otherwise wouldn't qualify because they don't work a minimum number of hours per week are now eligible to receive benefits.

    The stimulus bill also changed application and interview requirements to allow states to conduct interviews with Food Stamp applicants over the phone and also gives states the ability to adjust benefit deadlines so people can use their benefits longer before needing to re-apply for Food Stamps.

    So, if you just assumed you didn't qualify for Food Stamps because of your states work requirements then you may want to give it a shot and apply. You might be pleasantly surprised that you qualify and then you'll have one less thing to worry about during these uncertain times.