Food Stamps, Cash Assistance

questions & answers

Question: How long must a person wait to be eligible for food stamps after a drug conviction? What can a person do to redeem themselves?

Answer:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes eligibility requirements for the Nutrition Assistance program. Eligibility is based on the household’s resources, income and other requirements such as residence, citizenship or qualified non-citizen status, and cooperation with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment & Training program.  You may view our benefits chart (https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5202) or use the benefits estimator at www.arizonaselfhelp.org.

Even you are unsure whether you qualify, you should still apply.

If approved for benefits, there are ongoing eligibility requirements (https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5208) including participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment & Training Program (https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=260&id=4429) (SNA E&T).

After applying for benefits, you are required to complete an eligibility interview (https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5239) (also called a fact-finding interview).

Additional eligibility details are found in the Family Assistance Administration (FAA) policy manual (https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5251).