Why Am I Not Getting SNAP if I’m Volunteering?

@juliajules8797 asked:

I am on Medicaid and I'm volunteering at a pantry 80 hours a month. They told me I'll get food stamps since I'm volunteering but I never got the stamps. Do you know why?

QUICK ANSWER: Volunteering 80 hours a month can help satisfy SNAP (food stamp) work requirements in many situations, but it does not automatically enroll you in SNAP or guarantee benefits. You generally must apply for SNAP, meet income and other eligibility rules, and provide proof of your volunteer hours if your state requires it. Your volunteer work may help you meet the current work requirement rules, but there could be another issue with your application, documentation, income, or case status.

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What You Need to Know

A few common reasons someone in your situation might not be receiving SNAP benefits are:

A SNAP application may not have been completed or approved.
Medicaid and SNAP are separate programs. Even if someone believes you may qualify for SNAP, the state agency generally must review a SNAP application and make an eligibility determination.
Volunteer activities may need to be reviewed or verified.
Volunteering 80 hours per month may satisfy the work requirement. The SNAP office may be required to verify your hours from the organization where you volunteer.
The agency may need additional information.
Some applications remain pending while the agency waits for documents such as identification, proof of income, household information, housing expenses, or other verification requested during the application process.
Income, expenses, and household composition can affect eligibility.
SNAP eligibility is generally based on several factors, including household size, income, and certain allowable expenses. It is possible for someone to qualify for one assistance program but not another, depending on how the program rules apply to their situation.
Age-related rules.
SNAP includes special rules for households that contain older adults. How those rules apply depends on the individual’s circumstances and the agency’s review of the case.

Because government benefit programs contain many exceptions and case-specific rules, only the state SNAP agency can determine why an application was denied, delayed, or not approved. If you have applied for SNAP, a notice from the agency or a conversation with your local SNAP office can often provide the most accurate explanation for your specific case.