- Individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are categorically eligible for Montana food stamps. As of 2010, a family of two may qualify for food stamps if their gross monthly income does not exceed $1,579 and their net monthly income is at or below $1,215. If your gross income is above the limit, you may still qualify for food stamps under the Expanded Categorical Eligibility (ECE) plan. You may be eligible for ECE if your gross income does not exceed 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and your net income is at or below 100 percent of the FPL.
- Categorically and ECE eligible members are excluded from asset limits. The asset limit for households with an adult age 60 or older or a disabled individual is $3,000. All other households may have resources valued at $2,000. The government does not consider your vehicle, home, combat military-pay and some retirement accounts as assets.
- Able-bodied citizens age 16 to 59 may need to register for employment services or work training programs unless they attend school or are otherwise exempt. Additionally, food stamp participants must report household and income changes to continue to receive benefits.
- You may face disqualification from receiving food stamps if you knowingly violate program rules, are a wanted felon or have a conviction for trafficking drugs, arms or explosives. Individuals convicted of felony possession, use or distribution of drugs after August 22, 1996, may be ineligible for aid.
- Children may be eligible to receive free or reduced meals at school if the household income does not exceed 130 to 185 percent of the FPL. Pregnant, postpartum or breast-feeding women and children up to age 5 may qualify for food assistance through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. As of 2010, the WIC yearly income limit for a family of two is $26,955.
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