Food Stamp Income Guidelines in Idaho
- The food stamp program can be used for many different types of food.food image by brijesh gurnani from Fotolia.com
Food stamps, also called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is an assistance program run by the federal government. It is intended to help low- and no-income families and individuals with their grocery needs. The income guidelines are near or below the poverty line, and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare offices will check to ensure that all guidelines are being met so that recipients continue receiving food stamps. - The main requirement of food stamp eligibility is the individual or family income. The income limit is set at near-poverty level or below. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare provides a chart that details the maximum income level, 130 percent of poverty level income, for each family size. It starts at $1,174 per month for one person and goes up to $4,010 per month for eight people.
- Food stamp assistance in Idaho is delivered in the form of the Quest EBT card. This is a debit card that is used to purchase food eligible under the food stamp program. Examples of acceptable food are fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, bread and other types of food. All non-food is not allowed to be purchased with Quest EBT cards, and prohibited food products include hot and prepared food.
- In addition to the income guidelines, there are a number of other eligibility requirements that Idaho must check prior to giving food stamp assistance. An asset limit of $2,000 or $3,000 if elderly is allowed. Deductions from gross income levels are given for child care costs, medical expenses not paid by insurance, 20 percent deduction from earned income, and housing expenses.
