Can You Get SNAP Benefits If You Receive VA Disability Benefits?
As a veteran, you have worked hard to serve your country. You made the ultimate sacrifice and now that you’re disabled, you want to know what benefits and programs you can take advantage of.
Navigation the requirements can be confusing because sometimes you cannot partake in multiple programs at once. This may depend on your income and other requirements.
One program you may be interested in is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income families purchase food. This allows people to still eat a nutritious diet even if they are facing financial challenges. However, SNAP is a need-based program, so it is based on income requirements that vary from state to state.
This means that when calculating eligibility for SNAP, Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits are considered to be unearned income. The total income, including VA disability payments, is taken into account when determining eligibility for SNAP benefits. There are several other factors that come into play as well, such as household size and specific state rules. Plus, keep in mind that the entire household income is taken into consideration, so if your spouse earns money, that will need to be included.
So if you are a veteran whose household income falls below a certain threshold, even when including VA disability benefits, SNAP benefits may be available. If the total income exceeds the threshold, your benefit amount could be reduced or you could be disqualified altogether.
Disabled veterans may benefit from special SNAP income limits, especially if they are over the age of 60. For example, if your net monthly income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty line, and you have no more than $4,250 in assets, you may qualify for SNAP benefits.
Keep in mind that net income is determined by subtracting allowable deductions from your gross income. Assets include items like cash in a bank account, but your home and certain other assets are typically excluded.
If you are a combat veteran, you should know that combat pay, hostile fire pay, or imminent danger pay do not count as income when applying for SNAP benefits.
Disability Under SNAP
Under SNAP, you are considered disabled if you are a veteran who is completely disabled, permanently homebound, or requires regular aid and attendance. You also qualify if you receive state or federal disability payments, a disability retirement benefit from a governmental agency, or an annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act.
If you’re a veteran receiving VA disability benefits, you may want to consider applying for SNAP. Your local SNAP office or state’s Department of Human Services can provide you with accurate information.
Learn More About Veterans Benefits
Veterans are entitled to various benefits, but sometimes they cannot receive some in connection with other benefits. It’s important to understand what is allowed and what is not.
Have questions? Want to know more about your benefits? Contact a White Plains veterans disability benefits lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. We understand programs can be confusing, but we’ll help you make sense of it all. Schedule a consultation today by calling 914-294-2145 or filling out the online form.
Source:
marca.com/en/lifestyle/us-news/personal-finance/2024/08/19/66c376bdca474134248b4579.html
