SubscribeFood Stamps for Military Members
Food stamps have been around for many years, to assist those on low incomes to ensure they can purchase enough healthy food for themselves and their families, effectively as a bonus allowance in return for service. Over recent years the system has been modified and improved, and at first sight it may not seem simple.In May 2001 the National Defense Authorization Act wrote a new fiscal policy modifying the terms of the food stamp system. The system was aimed at all forces members, but also to further assist families on food stamps. Eligibility for the old food stamp system was based on household size and total household income and was actually received by less than 1 percent of the military.
The new allowance is called the Families Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA). The new system is more inclusive and takes into account those serving overseas where food stamps have not previously been available, as the system is calculated by combined income and household size, and not whether the family is already in receipt of food stamps.
The level of cash received by families is set at 130 percent of the national federal poverty line and food stamps are effectively cashed in. The allowance is set not to exceed $500 a month.
The allowance is non-taxable and can be applied for simply by filling in a form and submitting it to the commander. The form can even be completed online and e-mailed. Once the commander approves an application they may require an applicant to attend a financial management class just to improve their knowledge of how best to manage their personal finances.
Food stamps are affected with an applicant being in receipt of military allowances, as this counts as actual income. So food stamps are likely to be reduced. Other allowances that may be affected are infant and child program allowances, income-based day care programs, and the subsidized school lunch program.
Despite any complexity in the system or potential benefit reductions because of military allowances, the food stamp program is an important and worthwhile option for those military families that need the assistance.
