6 Products You Absolutely Can Not Buy With Montana Food Stamps
In 2022, there were over 42 million United States residents using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formally known as food stamps; Montana ranks 38th in the United States for SNAP participants.
There are certain rules and regulations when it comes to using SNAP, and certain things you can and can not purchase with your SNAP benefits.
WHAT CAN YOU PURCHASE:
1. GROCERIES
2. SNACKS
3. SEEDS/PLANTS THAT PRODUCE FOOD
WHAT YOU CAN NOT PURCHASE
1. ALCOHOL
2. TABACCO (OF ANY SORT)
3. VITAMINS
4. LIVE ANIMALS
5. PREPARED MEALS (ie. Hot deli items)
6. ANY NON-FOOD HOUSEHOLD ITEMS (ie. toilet paper, paper towels, soap, etc.)
How Do You Know If You Qualify For SNAP Benefits?
According to Montana DPHHS, these are 5 rules of thumb:
- People who live together and buy food and prepare meals together are grouped as a “household” for SNAP. Husbands and wives, and children under age 22 living with their natural, adoptive, or stepparents must be considered as one household.
- Household members that wish to be included must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens.
- Household members that wish to be included must furnish or apply for a social security number.
- The income and resource guidelines listed in this overview must be met.
- Able-bodied household members who are aged 16 through 59 must register for work, and may be required to participate in a SNAP Employment and Training Program unless a specified exemption is met.
There are certain individual cases, where, if you qualify for expedited services, you will receive your benefits within 7 days. (Information below is taken from DPHHS)
- Households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid resources; or
- Migrant or seasonal farm worker households with $100 or less in liquid resources; OR
- Households with a combined monthly gross income and liquid resources less than the household’s monthly rent (or mortgage) and utilities.-DPHHS
If you are in need of the resources provided by our state, don't hesitate to reach out and fill out an application.