Farmers can purchase whole foods with food stamps.
Farmers often live in uncertainty, not knowing if and when income will come in. Without a regular source of income, people struggle to put food on the table. With help from the food stamp program, low-income people can buy food. The USDA has set qualifications for the food stamp programs. Farmers must meet these qualifications, but do have a few special rights.
Benefit Amounts
Farmers receive food stamp benefits once a month through an electronic benefits transfer card. The United States Department of Agriculture bases benefit amounts on the size of the household. The USDA reports that an individual can receive up to $200 a month in benefits. Each family member will receive an additional $150 a month in benefits. The family may receive less benefits each month depending on their case.
Income Requirements
To qualify, a family's gross and net monthly income cannot exceed certain amounts. The USDA bases income limits on household size. For example, the USDA reports that a five-person household can have up to $ 2,794 in gross and $2,150 in net monthly income. Families can deduct some expenses such as housing costs from monthly income. Farmers who have both a primary residence and a seasonal home used for work can receive double deductions.
Resources
The USDA reports that a food stamp applicant's personal resources cannot exceed $2,000, or $3,000 if a family member qualifies as a senior citizen. Resources include money in bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and some property. Farmers do not have to count vehicles used for work or any vehicle they live in, even temporarily, as a personal resource. Farmers currently receiving Social Security benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits do not have to meet resource guidelines.
Farmer's Rights
Depending on the state, farmers may have additional special rights under the food stamp program. For example, farmers in California have the right to an expedited fair hearing trial if denied food stamp benefits. The California Food Stamp Guide reports that farmers can request a meeting within two days of receiving a denial. Farmers can request a fair hearing if they feel their food stamp application was wrongly denied.
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