INDIANAPOLIS — A task force at the Indiana Statehouse is sharing recommendations to increase access to food assistance.
A study found roughly one in every 10 Hoosiers didn't have consistent access to enough food in 2021.
That's about 700,000 people. But only about 40% of them qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Even fewer actually participate. The main reason? The process of applying is considered a hassle.
Now, lawmakers are recommending the state streamline the application process and look into funding transportation and delivery services for SNAP participants.
SNAP guidelines
The following information is provided by Indiana's Family and Social Services Administration:
To qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, applicants must meet certain non-financial and financial requirements. Non-financial requirements include state residency, citizenship/alien status, work registration and cooperation with the IMPACT (job training) program. Financial criteria include income and asset limits.
The asset/resource limits are $5,000 for most households. Assets include bank accounts, cash, real estate, personal property, vehicles, etc. The household's home and surrounding lot, household goods and personal belongings and life insurance policies are not counted as assets in the SNAP program.
All households (except those with elderly or disabled members) must pass a gross income test (130% of poverty) to qualify for SNAP benefits. The gross income is per household size and based on the gross monthly income received by all household members. Click here for SNAP income limits.
You can find more information about SNAP at the FSSA Benefits Portal and apply online by clicking here.