SNAP in the time of COVID-19
The world is a bit crazy right now, isn’t it? In a matter of weeks, our entire lives have changed and it is really hard. Hours have been reduced, some jobs lost or laid off, others working from home. Even our basic chores like grocery shopping have changed as we try to limit exposure to others. During these times of immense uncertainty, as everything around us seems to be in flux and it is hard to think straight, I want to remind you that resources are out there to help. I’m going to focus on resources to access food, because that is the realm I know best. If you find yourself in a financial pickle right now, don’t worry about groceries! Your local food bank is there to help. Although some have reduced staff and hours, they are still open and waiting to serve you. You can find a list of food pantries nearest you at mfbn.org/get-help. Be sure to call ahead and confirm their hours before visiting.
The other way to help keep food in the fridge is to enroll in SNAP! You may have heard of this program or read about it previously on this blog. SNAP- the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- is a great program, to which everyone has helped pay for with their taxes, so everyone is entitled to apply! If you applied before but didn’t qualify for benefits or no longer receive benefits because you earned too much, try again, especially if you have lost a job or have been affected by COVID-19. If you currently participate in SNAP and have been affected by COVID-19, e-mail the Office of Public Assistance (OPA) using the link below to report any changes.
Here are a few core eligibility rules to know before hand:
· Spouses, children under the age of 22, and anyone who “purchases & prepares food together” are part of your household. Roommates don’t count, even though you live together — unless you share grocery costs.
· If you are below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), you may be eligible for SNAP. For a household of 1, 200% of the FPL is $2,082 a month before taxes & expenses.
· You can apply for SNAP if you are not a US Citizen under special immigrant status rules.
You can-and should-apply for SNAP at any time. Physical Office of Public Assistance (OPA) buildings are closed to the public right now but you can apply online at https://apply.mt.gov/ or by calling 1–888–706–1535. OPA caseworkers are also available by e-mail and a list of office e-mail addresses can be found here.
Another great way to apply and talk to a live human is by calling the Montana Food Bank Network’s SNAP Application Hotline at (406) 239–6475. I can do an application with you over the phone, walk you through any tricky spots if you are filling out the application on your own, or help answer questions.
After OPA approves you for benefits, they will issue one SNAP EBT card to your household with the name of the head of household printed on the card. Everyone in the household has the right to use the card for food shopping. You can also give your card to a trusted family member or friend to food shop for you. Benefit amounts vary and are based on income in the household and expenses. What are you waiting for? Apply today!
Contact Elizabeth Weaver, SNAP Outreach Coordinator at Montana Food Bank Network, with questions or for more info: eweaver@mfbn.org, (406) 239–6475.
