- To qualify for food stamps in Florida, you must be a U.S. Citizen or fall into a specific group of people, like legal aliens or refugees. You must be a Florida resident to receive food stamps there, and you can only receive food assistance from the county you live in.
- Each member of your household must have a Social Security number to be counted as qualifying for food stamps in Florida. Proof that you have applied for a Social Security number meets this requirement. If anyone in your household does not have a Social Security number, they will not be counted in determining eligibility, though you may still receive benefits.
- Some applicants must meet work requirements to qualify for food assistance. The Florida Food Assistance Program makes an exception if you are over 50 years old, disabled, pregnant, or live with a dependent under 18 years old. Otherwise, you must submit to a work training program or prove that you work at least 20 hours per week at a job. Without meeting the work requirement, you can only receive food assistance for three months in a 36-month period.
- The Florida Food Assistance Program only helps low-income families. To qualify, your gross income must be less than twice the federal poverty level. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, you must gross less than 130% of the federal poverty level to qualify. Annual household income must not exceed $14,079 if there is one person in the household, and bank balances may not exceed $2,001. These figures change depending on the age and disability status of household members.
Additionally, your take-home income must fall below the poverty level. If you are over 60 years old, you must only meet the take-home income requirement. Deductions for housing, utilities, medical expenses and dependent care can reduce the amount that counts toward your income and help you qualify for food assistance.