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Idaho Food Stamp Qualifications

Idaho's food stamp program is designed for low-income families that meet the qualifications of the program. Eligible families are given the ability to purchase food with an Idaho Quest Card, which is attached to an account and scanned at grocery stores when buying food items. Several requirements must be met to receive aid.

  1. Income

    • The gross income for a household cannot exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty line, and net income cannot exceed 100 percent of the poverty line after deductions. Deductions are expenses other than food, such as rent or child care. The actual dollar amount for monthly income varies by age and the number of members in the household. For example, for a family of three, gross income cannot exceed $1,907 per month.

    Citizen/Immigration Status and Identification

    • With some exceptions, those who are not legal citizens of the United States are not eligible for food stamps. Every member of a household must either apply for or have a Social Security number.

    Resources

    • The household applying for food stamp benefits cannot have resources beyond $2,000 unless a member of the household is 60 years of age or older or has disabilities, in which case the resources can total up to $3,000. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, some resources are not included, such as home and lot and the resources of those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

    Limitations

    • Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years of age who do not have any dependents can receive food stamp benefits only for three months in a 36-month period.

    Expedited Benefits

    • Certain applicants can receive benefits before all their information is verified. These applicants must fall in to one of the following categories: the family's total resources equal less than $100; members of the family are migrant or seasonal workers; the household's housing costs are greater than its monthly income; or the total monthly income is less than $150.

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