Can I Get Cash Assistance Again
If y'all require financial assistance from the government, you'll need to know how to get EBT cash benefits. Generally, the Electonic Benefits Transfer (EBT) programme is used as a replacement for the old Food Stamps program. Thus, EBT cards are primarily used in conjunction with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). That said, some individuals can likewise qualify for separate greenbacks benefits that do not hold the aforementioned limitations every bit SNAP funds. In today's guide, we volition explain how to get EBT cash benefits, where you tin can use them, and how much you can really get. So, permit's get started!
SNAP vs. Cash Assistance
Earlier we explicate how to get EBT cash benefits, information technology'due south important to talk about the differences betwixt the two principal programs that fall under the EBT umbrella. First, you accept SNAP, which helps low-income individuals and families meet their bones food needs. Mostly, SNAP is express to healthy foods that you can purchase from grocery stores and supermarkets. With a few rare exceptions, yous cannot use SNAP funds to purchase hot, ready-fabricated meals at restaurants or fast-nutrient establishments. Y'all as well cannot apply SNAP funds to purchase medication, household items, tobacco, or booze. For a total listing of what SNAP does and does not embrace, be sure to check out our guide on what an EBT carte can exercise.
While the phrase "cash benefits" may sound like an extensive term for the funds you have on an EBT card, these benefits actually role separately from SNAP funds. This is why greenbacks benefits are frequently referred to every bit "emergency" or "temporary" cash assistance. While SNAP covers food costs, cash benefits can be used for a wide range of needs.
One of the most important benefits of cash aid is the ability to withdraw funds from ATMs using your EBT bill of fare. Essentially, an EBT card functions much like a debit card. Nevertheless, if y'all but have SNAP funds, you lot can't withdraw cash or use your carte du jour to pay for housing or non-food items. To pay for these things, you must qualify for EBT cash benefits.
Who qualifies for EBT cash benefits?
EBT cash benefits are attained through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. This is a federal program that provides funds to individual states. Some states have other programs that utilize TANF funds to specifically target things like childcare costs, work grooming, and other work-related assistance.
In any case, yous can only get EBT cash benefits if you meet the post-obit requirements:
- Are unemployed or underemployed (merely actively working towards total employment)
- Accept very low income (based on the cost of living in your location)
- Are a U.Southward. citizen, resident alien, or qualified conflicting
- Have a child who is 18 years of age or younger, OR
- Exist pregnant, OR
- Be 18 years or younger and the head of your household
Equally you can see, TANF is designated for those most in demand of financial assistance. In essence, TANF is simply a replacement for older welfare programs. Thus, you will have to prove that you are financially struggling and have dependents (or future dependents) under your care.
How to become EBT greenbacks benefits
Since TANF funds are ultimately administered by your resident land, the process for getting an EBT card and cash benefits varies based on your location. In near cases, you tin can utilize online or over the phone. To find the nearest TANF program in your state, you can reference this interactive map.
Equally an example, allow's say that yous live in California. Past clicking on California in the state map linked above, you will be provided with multiple locations to contact regarding TANF funds. One time y'all find the location nearest to you, you can call or visit the location to officially submit your application. Generally speaking, you lot volition need to provide some proof of identification, as well every bit data regarding your housing, employment, income, and number of dependents.
If yous meet the requirements outlined above, you will probably be able to secure EBT greenbacks benefits. Still, each state may take specific requirements during the application process. Therefore, you lot will need to contact the TANF program representative in your surface area for more precise information.
How much can I expect to receive?
As previously stated, EBT greenbacks benefits vary by state and location. Additionally, the corporeality you will receive volition depend on your current income, the size of your family, and your state of employment. For example, if you live in the state of Washington and take a family of iii, you lot tin can go a maximum monthly grant of $569 per month (as of 2020). If you begin working after applying for cash benefits, TANF will calculate half of your reported income and deduct information technology from the amount y'all receive. If your income exceeds the poverty level in your surface area, you could lose eligibility for TANF.
However, it's of import to note that EBT cash benefits don't last forever. You lot tin can only receive TANF funds for a maximum of 5 years. Once you hit the v-year limit, you lot will no longer exist eligible for EBT cash benefits, though yous may still be able to qualify for SNAP.
Additionally, the bodily amount you receive can vary widely based on a number of factors. Virtually applicants exercise not receive the maximum amount bachelor. As a result, the average national payout for TANF recipients in 2020 was $492 per calendar month. However, this number tends to rising every year.
The Bottom Line
Nobody wants to be in a position where they need funds just cannot admission them. If you are unemployed or underemployed, you lot likely demand the help of the country to make ends come across while you look for more than work. This is why the government has programs like TANF and SNAP to help those most in demand. While these are federal programs, the funds are distributed at the state level, which tin complicate things for many people. Consequently, figuring out how to get EBT cash benefits can be quite challenging. Fortunately, past contacting the local TANF representative in your area, you lot can quickly learn the procedure to get EBT cash benefits fast!
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Matthew Jones is a freelance writer with a B.A. in Moving picture and Philosophy. You tin can check out his web log at Philosophy in Film.
Source: https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-get-ebt-cash-benefits/
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