Applied for and got SNAP (food stamps) benefits

Marie5656

Marie5656

SF VIP
Location
Batavia, NY
I was hesitant about applying, as I did not feel I needed them. But, my niece talked me into it. So, I am getting $16 a month. May not seem like a lot, but I am just one person So, if it means I can buy more fresh fruits and vegies, or an extra piece of meat, then I am good.
I got my card a couple weeks ago. Due to the time of month I was approved, I got a double payment. Went out today. Did not really NEED anything. But since I will be home on my own for Cristmas, I bought myself some vegies, and the fixings for a noce pot toast for Christmas. Will do it in slow cooker.
Also got the ground beef, and canned stuff I need to make a batch of chili some time soon, Again, in slow cooker..and will freeze some.
 

katlupe said:
Keep an eye on the balance, you may get more added to it due to the virus.

Yes, check out the HEAP program, I have not had an electric bill since I started getting that.
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Yes, I did get extra in my initial balance. Helped alot as I bought a batch of staple foods...tuna, canned soup, even a can of SPAM.
$16 is not a lot, but if I am short of funds, and can run out to get some milk, and fresh vegies, I am good.
 
Due to Covid they have been giving people the whole amount. I know people in my building who get only $16 and hadn't looked at their balances till others told them to check it. They checked it and some had over $500 worth. One lady I am friends with has over $1200 because she didn't know about it for months and the other reason is she has a freezer and closet full of food she had already stocked up. She called her SNAP worker and she said she has a year to use them. Now she is using them for sales and more stocking up on items that don't go in her freezer (she has a small chest one). So if you get $16 worth of stamps, they add the difference to the full benefit. It is based on income, medical expenses, living expenses and how many people live in your home. And your age might be a factor too.
 
So we can bail out big corporations and give tax cuts to the rich, but making sure people have enough to eat and a roof over their head is asking too much? I am so disgusted with how things have turned out so far.

Marie, I am glad you have a few extra dollars for food, but the amount is an embarrassment to this country!
 
Marie5656 said:
I was hesitant about applying, as I did not feel I needed them. But, my niece talked me into it. So, I am getting $16 a month. May not seem like a lot, but I am just one person So, if it means I can buy more fresh fruits and vegies, or an extra piece of meat, then I am good.
I got my card a couple weeks ago. Due to the time of month I was approved, I got a double payment. Went out today. Did not really NEED anything. But since I will be home on my own for Cristmas, I bought myself some vegies, and the fixings for a noce pot toast for Christmas. Will do it in slow cooker.
Also got the ground beef, and canned stuff I need to make a batch of chili some time soon, Again, in slow cooker..and will freeze some.
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That's great Marie! Glad you're using any benefits that are available. 👍
 
If you have a landline phone, Marie,
(Or, for anyone reading this, who does)

then ask the phone company, and I think you'd get an automatic monthly reduction,
from having been approved for any of those other benefits.

I have no idea if the current cellphone or cable company phones, offer anything similar or not.
Maybe they don't.
 
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Kaila said:
I have no idea if the current cellphone or cable company phones, offer anything similar or not.
Maybe they don't.
Click to expand...

I get my phone and internet through the cable company, so not sure if that would work. But thanks for suggestion. I do not have cable TV, just use the service for phone and internet.
Living in a smaller town means the grocery prices are cheaper. Plus, come summer, there is a farmers market right across the street from my building. Walking distance.
 
That Farmers Market will be great, Marie. :)
I wish I had one that close! I love the freshness and taste and nutrition, and variety, whenever I receive anything from those.
(They are also outdoors, and easier to social distance, if/when that's desired)

I dont know about your State, but in mine, Farm Markets do accept SNAP, and in addition, some of them give double the food, for the price!
 
Too bad you don't live in my area. One organization was giving out free boxes of fresh produce every Tuesday since the pandemic. Not sure if they still are. Fresh produce goes to waste here so I don't bother to walk around the corner to get the food. Another organization formed by a young man was delivering fresh dinners to seniors on the list. It started out 5 days a week, then as the list grew was down to 2 days a week. It was about who added you to the list (my DIL added me), not necessarily about income. I added 3 friends, one of whom I knew is cash strapped and needed that help.
 
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