Getting a letter saying your SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application was rejected isn’t fun. Even worse, the letter throws in that confusing phrase: “We rejected your SNAP application because of the circumstances of your family group.” What does that even mean? Basically, it means the government looked at how your family lives and decided you don’t qualify for food assistance, at least not right now. Let’s break down what this could entail. We’ll explore some of the common reasons this rejection happens, so you can better understand the situation.
Understanding “Family Group”
The “family group” in this context is the people the government considers to be living together and sharing resources, like food and housing. This isn’t always the same as your legal family. It could include people you live with who are not legally related to you. SNAP rules have specific criteria for what constitutes a family group. Think about it this way: if you’re regularly buying and preparing food with someone, you’re likely considered part of the same family group.
This can lead to some confusion, so let’s look at a few examples:
- If you live with your parents, and you all pool resources, you’re likely considered part of the family group.
- If you live with roommates who don’t share food costs and prepare their meals separately, you may not be considered part of the same family group.
- If you’re a young adult living with friends, sharing expenses, you probably are a part of the family group.
Income and Resources: The Biggest Factor
The most common reason for a SNAP rejection is that your family group’s income or resources are too high. SNAP is designed to help low-income families, so there are income limits. These limits depend on your household size. The government calculates your gross monthly income and your net monthly income. They also consider resources, like how much money you have in the bank or the value of any stocks or bonds you might own. If your income or resources exceed the limits, you might not qualify.
It’s important to know the limits for your state. To illustrate the income limits, let’s pretend we are looking at the current year’s guidelines. They can fluctuate, so it is vital to know your local standards. The following is only an example to guide you in understanding:
- For a family of one: $1,608 gross monthly income
- For a family of two: $2,177 gross monthly income
- For a family of three: $2,747 gross monthly income
- For a family of four: $3,317 gross monthly income
Remember, these numbers are examples, so they do not apply to your area. Check your local government website for accurate details.
SNAP rejected your application because the income of your family group is over the limit.
Who’s Living With You? The Definition of a Household
The people living with you directly affect your eligibility. SNAP considers the income and resources of everyone in your household. If someone in your household has a high income, even if you don’t share expenses equally, it can impact your eligibility. This is where the definition of “family group” really matters. If someone is considered part of your family group, their income counts, even if they don’t directly contribute to your food budget. So, the presence of another adult, like a parent or a sibling, who has a job and earns a good income, could push your combined income over the limit. It can also be a family group of a group of friends.
It’s important to correctly identify everyone living in your home and how they interact financially. To demonstrate how the definition of a household impacts eligibility, let’s use an example. Consider a household of three: one parent working, a child, and a grandparent.
- If the grandparent is not considered part of the household (e.g., receiving separate support), their income might not count.
- If the grandparent is considered part of the household (e.g., sharing food expenses), their income is considered.
Understanding how household definition impacts eligibility can provide useful assistance in your efforts.
The other thing to consider is the income of any adult residing with you.
Employment Status and Work Requirements
Sometimes, SNAP eligibility can be tied to work requirements. If you’re an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD), you might need to meet certain work requirements to qualify for benefits. This could mean working a certain number of hours per week or participating in a job training program. If you’re not meeting these requirements, your application could be rejected. However, there are exemptions to these rules, such as if you have a disability or are caring for a child under six. It’s essential to understand these requirements and any exemptions that might apply to you.
Work requirements can vary by state. Here’s how a specific state might handle ABAWD work rules. Please keep in mind that this is a mock set of requirements.
- 30 hours of work/week or
- Participate in a job training program
- Maintain job searches (e.g. 3 applications per week)
If you have any medical limitations that make it difficult to meet these requirements, you may be eligible for an exemption. Make sure you provide documentation of any medical conditions that may affect your ability to work.
Be sure to find out what the employment status requirements are in your state.
Changes in Circumstances
Your application might be rejected if there have been recent changes in your family group’s circumstances. This could include changes in income, new people moving in, or someone moving out. SNAP is constantly assessing your eligibility, so they need the latest information. If you don’t report these changes promptly, your application could be denied. This is why keeping your case worker informed about anything that changes in your home life is a must. To prevent issues, you must give them the most up-to-date details.
Here are some of the items the government will want to know about your group:
- Job status changes (getting a new job, losing a job, changes in hours)
- Changes to address
- Changes to income
- Changes to household members
When reporting changes, always provide documentation. When giving documentation, it should be copies and not original documents. This is to make sure your paperwork gets back to you.
Reporting these changes may help keep your benefits current.
Resources Available to Your Family Group
The government will also evaluate the resources available to your family group. This may include any bank accounts, investments, and any other assets you possess. If the total value of your resources exceeds the limits set by SNAP, your application may be rejected. It’s important to understand what is considered a resource and how these rules work. For example, your primary residence may be exempt, but any other property may be considered a resource.
To provide a comprehensive understanding, we can create a basic table of what will be viewed as a resource, and what will not be:
| Considered a Resource | Not Considered a Resource |
|---|---|
| Savings accounts | Your primary home |
| Stocks and bonds | Most vehicles |
| Land | Personal belongings |
| Additional property |
When it comes to resources, knowing what is considered is important to stay within the guidelines.
What to Do If You’re Rejected
If your SNAP application is rejected, don’t panic! You have options. The rejection letter will explain why and how to appeal the decision. You can request a fair hearing, which is a chance to explain your situation and provide more information. You should review the information in your rejection letter, gather any documentation you think supports your case, and contact the local SNAP office as soon as possible. If you disagree with the decision, the appeal process is essential. Seeking assistance from community organizations, such as food banks or legal aid, can also be helpful. These organizations can help you understand your rights and guide you through the appeal process. They can assist with gathering documentation or even represent you at a hearing.
Here are some steps you should take:
- Read the rejection letter.
- Gather documents.
- Find out why you were rejected.
- Contact the local SNAP office.
- If you disagree, appeal.
- Seek help from community resources.
When you are denied, there are actions you can take.
Conclusion
So, “We rejected your SNAP application because of the circumstances of your family group” means the government has reviewed your family’s situation and determined you don’t currently meet the requirements. It’s essential to understand the factors that influence eligibility, like income, resources, family size, and employment status. While a rejection can be disheartening, it’s not necessarily the end. By understanding the reasons for the denial, gathering information, and following the appeal process, you may still be able to get the help you need. Remember, resources and support are available to assist you in navigating the SNAP system, so don’t hesitate to seek help.