Food Stamps Do You Qualify? | Government websites misleading

National (Aug 23) – With so many individuals and families relying on accurate information to get them through the toughest of economic times, especially in Nevada with its record high unemployment rates, it is essential to know that not all national government web sites maintain current statistics and information.

Until recently, many were under the impression that Nevadans seeking assistance via food stamps or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allowed for a one person household to receive up to a maximum of $1806 monthly.

However, researching the national web site www.fns.usda.gov/snap/faqs.htm#2 presents vastly different numbers. When contacted for clarification, the answer received was, “We do not know where you got the information that the one person household in Nevada is $1800 per month, but it is incorrect.” The statement continues, “The gross income limit for a household of 1 is $1,174; the net income limit is $903. If the household consists of an elderly/disabled person who is entitled to separate household status, the income limit is $1,490. The maximum benefit amount for one month is $200.”

Nevada residents who call their local Nevada SNAP office (702-644-3663 ext. 343) will discover that the national office is itself incorrect regarding their posted maximum income limits for the state of Nevada. The inaccuracy comes from the fact that Nevada is using some of its State Stimulus Money to increase state guidelines from 130% of the poverty level to 200%. This increase allows more individuals to qualify for assistance.

The new limits for the state of Nevada are: One-person household $1806 per month (accurate); two-person household $2430 per month; three-person household $3052 per month; four-person household $3676 per month; five-person household $4300 per month; and six-person household $4922 per month.

If the national website isn’t correct for the state of Nevada, perhaps it isn’t correct for other states, and how much of the other information on the website is incorrect? Can you trust the government websites?

With the economy where it is today, and unemployment rampant, government websites typically are the places many turn to for help. However, calling your local welfare or unemployment office also can be a point of contention when one is placed on hold indefinitely, assuming you can get past the constant busy signal.

Inaccurate food stamp information is just one of the growing problems across the nation. People need correct information to obtain assistance during these hard economic times. There needs to be more staff and more phone lines at local government offices. At least when you speak to a local staff member you receive as correct or current information as possible.

By: Brenda Hyatt

Posted by bhyatt on August 23, 2010. Filed under economy,Human Interest,National News,News and Opinions by Brenda Hyatt,Opinion Editorial,WorldNewsVine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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9 Responses to Food Stamps Do You Qualify? | Government websites misleading

Christine

August 24, 2010 at 1:17 am

Thanks for the information.

Like or Dislike: 0 0
- bhyatt
  
  August 24, 2010 at 1:29 am
  
  You are welcome Christine. We hope this helps those who weren’t aware they qualified for assistance.
  
  Like or Dislike: 0 0
Roberta Vlastaris

August 24, 2010 at 3:28 am

Yes, these government agencies need more help; however with the current economic state of our country, these agencies are forced to furlough their employees. It doesn’t make sense to me. Yes, the wait is impossibly long on the phone and the web sites are difficult to access. I know. I’ve been there.
And I have come to find out that different states and/or cities have different guidelines for such government help (food stamps; rent aid etc). It’s a mystery!

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benjaminjo24

August 24, 2010 at 3:48 am

yeah that is true, major brands do give out free samples of their popular health products best place to check is http://bit.ly/alBoz6 send it to your friends

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- bhyatt
  
  August 24, 2010 at 8:40 pm
  
  Benjaminjo24. Thanks signed up for free samples
  
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Becky

August 24, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Good article! When you’re in need, getting the correct information can sometimes seems impossible – I hope those that need food assistance get a chance to read your article.

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GBartylak

August 26, 2010 at 1:23 am

Very informative article. It is so hard to get accurate information these days – I wish you would write more articles along these lines to provide info to people in need of such programs as food stamps,etc and who may not have access to a computer or the skills to unravel the REAL rules as you have so painstakingly done – Good work……………..

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julie friday

September 11, 2010 at 6:27 pm

I agree the goverment cant be trusted. There are so many people that have lost there jobs and need help to feed there familys and are told they make to much and what they go by is the gross amount that the person makes before they are cut taxes. I think that is dead wrong when childern out there are going without in this country. When the time comes all the money hungry people in our government is going to be judged by god. They better wake up. God bless the american people that work hard and are honest,and the childern that didnt ask for this. Hope all works out for everyone.

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