The food stamp program by the US government is done monthly to help reduce the cost of food purchases as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program is targeted mostly at low-income people who have a hard time purchasing food.
The program will see citizens receive food stamps that can enable them to buy food items that include fruits, beverages, vegetables, and dairy products, among others.
To be able to do this, funds are provided through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which are then used to make purchases of eligible food items and at stores that have been deemed eligible.
Will non-citizens of the US be eligible?
It is important to note that while SNAP was originally targeted at helping citizens of the US regularly reduce the cost of food purchases, the program is also accessible to non-citizens or immigrants who have met certain criteria. This will also support their food purchases.
To qualify for food stamps as an immigrant, the individual must be a documented immigrant and possess proofs that support their stance.
The categories of non-citizens who can apply for the program include documented immigrants, refugees, individuals who were granted asylum, victims who suffered severe human trafficking, and special immigrants who are from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Non-citizens who are tourists or students cannot apply for SNAP and will not be eligible to receive food stamps. However, these individuals can apply on behalf of others who meet the criteria as either citizens or non-citizens.
How can non-US citizens apply?
Non-US citizens who meet certain requirements will be eligible to apply for SNAP and receive food stamps. Their decision to apply for SNAP will not make them public.
However, to enjoy the benefits of the program, they are advised to apply to the state where they live. They can do this once they have been able to satisfy the following conditions:
The first condition for the individual is that they must belong to the qualified alien category. More than this, they should also meet any of the other criteria listed below.
- The individual must have lived in the US for at least five years since the specific date of their entry.
- They should possess an LPR with at least 40 qualifying work quarters.
- An individual who has a child under the age of 18 and has been a qualified alien can also apply for the program.
- Any individual who is blind or disabled can receive the benefits regardless of their entry date into the US.
- Any individual who is currently living in the US lawfully and is also on active military duty will qualify to apply for US food stamps.
- If the individual has also been honorably discharged as a veteran, they can also apply for the food stamp program.
Individuals who meet any of these criteria must go ahead and apply for the food stamp without having to go through the five-year waiting period.
Also, non-citizens who meet these conditions are qualified to apply for SNAP.
