Wyoming SNAP Benefits Eligibility Calculator Guidelines 2024

The Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP Wyoming) is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families.

The program aims to assist households undergoing financial crisis by issuing an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase nutritious food. The program has specific rules regarding the types of foods that can be purchased using SNAP benefits.

The benefit amounts vary by state and are largely determined by recipients’ income, minus certain expenses, and household size.

The maximum amount of SNAP benefits is based on the Thrifty Food Plan, an estimate by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of how much it costs to buy groceries needed to provide a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet” for a family of two adults and two children.

Wyoming Food Stamp Calculator 2024

In Wyoming, SNAP is administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). DFS determines eligibility, calculates benefit amounts, and issues Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. EBT cards can be used like debit cards to purchase eligible food items at participating grocery stores and retailers.

SNAP Wyoming Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Wyoming, households must meet certain income and resource limits:

Eligibility Requirement	Description
Residency	Must be a resident of Wyoming.
Age or Disability	A person or persons age 60 and over or a person with a disability.
Annual Household Income	Must have an annual household income (before taxes) below specified amounts based on household size.
Gross Income Limit	The gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level.
Net Income Limit	The net income limit is 100% of the federal poverty level.
Asset Limit	Household assets must be below $2,250, or $3,750 if a member is 60 or older or has a disability.
Work Requirements	ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) ages 16-59 who aren’t exempt must work at least 30 hours per week to receive SNAP benefits.
Work Exemptions	Exemptions from work requirements include age, medical, dependents, and employment status.

Application Process for Wyoming SNAP Benefits

• Get an application – Applications can be obtained online, at local Department of Family Services offices, by phone, or by mail. The application can be submitted online, in-person, faxed, or mailed back.
• Provide required information – The application will ask for details on household members, address, income sources, resources, housing/utility expenses, medical costs, and other info needed to determine eligibility.
• Submit proof/verification – Documents like pay stubs, award letters, bills, and bank statements will need to be submitted to verify details provided on the application.
• Complete an interview – A phone or in-person interview will be conducted to review and confirm application details. More proof may be requested during the interview.
• Await eligibility decision – The Department of Family Services will evaluate the application and notify the applicant if they are approved or denied. Decisions aim to be made within 30 days.
• Receive benefits – If approved, an EBT card will be mailed out which can be used to purchase eligible foods at participating retailers. Benefits are deposited monthly.
• Report changes – Recipients must report any changes in their circumstances like income, household size, address etc. as these could impact their eligibility or benefit amount.
• The application process must be completed fully and accurately to ensure timely SNAP benefits. Assistance is available from DFS staff for any help needed with applying.

Applying for Wyoming SNAP

Wyoming residents can apply for SNAP benefits in several ways:

• Online through the Wyoming Equality Care portal
• In-person at a local DFS office
• By mailing or faxing a completed application form

When applying, you will need to provide information on household members, income, resources, housing costs, and other expenses. Proof of this information through documents such as pay stubs may be required.

DFS aims to process applications within 30 days. Eligible households will be notified by mail and issued an EBT card. SNAP benefits are deposited monthly into the EBT account.

Gross Income Limits SNAP Wyoming

The gross income limit for Wyoming SNAP benefits is 130% of the federal poverty level. The gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income. The expanded income limits for households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability are as follows:

If nobody in your household is elderly or disabled:

Household Size	130% of Federal Poverty Level (Gross Income Limit)
1	$1,869
2	$2,518
3	$3,167
4	$3,816
5	$4,465
6	$5,114
7	$5,763
8	$6,412
	Each additional person: +$557 / month

It is important to note that the net income limit is also a factor in determining eligibility for Wyoming SNAP benefits. The net income limit is 100% of the federal poverty level. The earned income deduction is 20%. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household without a member who is 60 or older or has a disability is $291. The minimum monthly SNAP benefit is $16.

In conclusion, the gross income limit for Wyoming SNAP benefits is 130% of the federal poverty level. The expanded income limits apply to households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability. The net income limit is also a factor in determining eligibility for Wyoming SNAP benefits. The earned income deduction is 20%, and the minimum monthly SNAP benefit is $16.

Net Income Limits Wyoming SNAP

Net income eligibility is one of the primary SNAP qualifying factors. Households must not only meet the gross income test but also have net income within the thresholds after deductions.

Net income limits are based on the federal poverty guidelines and are updated annually. Checking the current year’s limits is important for determining SNAP eligibility.

Household Size	Maximum Net Income (Per Year)	Maximum Net Income (Per Month)
1	$14,580	$1,215
2	$19,728	$1,644
3	$24,876	$2,072
4	$30,024	$2,502
5	$35,172	$2,928
6	$40,320	$3,360
7	$45,468	$3,789
8	$50,616	$4,218
9	$55,764	$4,647
10	$60,912	$5,076
Each Additional Member	+$6,148	+$512

The net income limit is 100% of the federal poverty level. The earned income deduction is 20%. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household without a member who is 60 or older or has a disability is $291. The minimum monthly SNAP benefit is $16.

Wyoming SNAP Benefit Amounts

The SNAP benefit amounts in Wyoming are based on the household’s net income and vary depending on the household size. Here are the maximum monthly SNAP benefit amounts for Wyoming:

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Benefit
1	$291
2	$535
3	$766
4	$973
5	$1155
6	$1386
7	$1532
8	$1751
9	$1970
10	$2189
Each Additional Person	+$429

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income, with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits.

Benefit Calculation and Types of Foods Covered

Here are some key details on how SNAP benefit amounts are calculated and what types of food are covered in Wyoming:

Benefit Calculation:

• The max SNAP allotment is provided for a household’s size if they have no countable income after deductions.
• For households with income, 30% of net monthly income is deducted from the max allotment to determine the benefit amount.
• Allowable deductions for expenses like housing, medical and childcare costs help lower countable income.
• The more income a household has, the lower their SNAP benefit will be.

Types of Foods Covered:

• SNAP can be used to buy staple food items for home preparation including:
• Breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry
• Dairy products, eggs, cheese
• Snack foods, ice cream, sweets
• Seeds and plants to grow food for the household
• Beverages like juice, soda, coffee, tea

Items Not Covered:

• Prepared hot foods or foods eaten in-store
• Alcoholic beverages
• Vitamins, medicines, supplements
• Live animals
• Pet food, grooming supplies
• Paper products, household supplies
• Hygiene items, cosmetics

SNAP benefits are intended to supplement a household’s food budget for nutritious foods they can prepare at home. Knowing what can and cannot be purchased helps recipients use benefits appropriately.

SNAP Employment and Training Program

Wyoming offers a SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program called SNAP EDGE. It is available for SNAP recipients ages 16-59 who are able to work. The program helps participants gain skills, training, or work experience to increase employability and self-sufficiency.

Services offered through SNAP EDGE include:

• Job search assistance
• Resume writing and interview skills
• Vocational training programs
• GED attainment assistance
• Work experience opportunities

SNAP Benefit Duration

There is no time limit on how long a household can receive SNAP benefits in Wyoming as long as they continue to meet all eligibility requirements. SNAP cases are reviewed periodically and must be recertified annually.

Households are required to report changes during their certification period that could impact eligibility or benefit amount such as changes in income, household size, or address. Failure to report required changes could result in case closure or recoupment of overpaid benefits.

EBT Cards in Wyoming

Wyoming issues EBT cards through FIS Global, the state’s contracted EBT vendor. The Wyoming EBT card is used to access SNAP food benefits as well as cash assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

EBT cards can be used just like a debit card at participating retailers. Benefits are accessed by swiping the card at point-of-sale terminals and entering a 4-digit personal identification number (PIN).

Cardholders can check their SNAP and TANF benefit balances by calling the number on the back of their EBT card or logging into their account online.

Lost, stolen, or damaged EBT cards can be replaced by contacting the DFS EBT vendor. New cards are issued within 3-5 business days.

Purchasing Eligible Foods with SNAP

When paying with an EBT card, the cardholder will swipe the card and enter their PIN like a normal debit transaction. The cashier will identify which items are SNAP-eligible and charge just the SNAP benefits for those purchases. Any non-food items must be paid for separately.

The receipt will show the amount paid by SNAP benefits vs. any remaining balance paid out-of-pocket. Change cannot be given back when paying with SNAP benefits. Any leftover cents go back into the EBT account.

Checking a SNAP Balance

To check a SNAP balance in Wyoming, cardholders can:

• Call the toll-free number listed on the back of their EBT card
• Log into their online EBT account
• Sign up for low balance email or text alerts
• Check the receipt after a SNAP transaction – it will show the remaining benefit amount
• Go to www.ebtedge.com and click on Wyoming to access balance options

Checking a balance does not affect the SNAP amount – it allows cardholders to track their benefits and plan grocery spending for the month.

Problems with Wyoming EBT Cards

If an EBT card is lost, stolen or damaged, it must be reported right away to prevent misuse and ensure recipients still have access to their food benefits.

To report a lost, stolen or damaged EBT card:

• Call the EBT vendor number or DFS hotline
• Login online and select the “lost or stolen card” option

A new replacement card will be ordered. Benefits from a lost or stolen card can be replaced if reported within 10 days.

If a card is not working at a store or acting erratic, the EBT vendor’s customer service should be contacted to resolve any technical issues.

SNAP Resources in Wyoming

DFS provides resources to help Wyoming residents get the most out of their SNAP benefits:

• SNAP Nutrition Connection – Offers healthy, low-cost recipes, shopping tips, nutrition education resources and more specifically for SNAP participants.
• SNAP Stretching Your Food Dollars Guide – Tips on smart grocery shopping, meal planning, food budgeting, getting the best deals, and avoiding waste.
• SNAP-Ed – Nutrition education and obesity prevention program helping SNAP recipients eat healthy on a budget. Offers cooking classes and food demos.
• Food Banks – Can help supplement monthly food needs through pantries and mobile distributions. Find local options with the Wyoming Food Bank Network.
• Double Up Food Bucks – Matches SNAP dollars spent on local produce at participating outlets and farmers markets.

Staying informed on SNAP rules in Wyoming and utilizing available services and resources can help recipients get the most out of their benefits.

Who qualifies for welfare in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, individuals and families are eligible for welfare programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) based on specific eligibility criteria. Here are the key eligibility requirements for these programs:

• SNAP (Food Stamps) – Low-income households who meet income and resource limits. Able-bodied adults without dependents have work requirements.
• TANF Cash Assistance – Very low-income families with children under 18. Recipients must participate in work activities. Lifetime limit of 60 months.
• Medicaid and CHIP – Low-income families, pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and disabled individuals. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medicaid has income limits by household size.
• WIC – Low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children under 5 at nutritional risk. Must meet income guidelines and medical/nutritional eligibility.
• LIEAP Energy Assistance – Helps low-income households pay a portion of winter heating bills. Must meet income criteria and have heating responsibility.
• Child Care Assistance – Families with low incomes who need child care in order to work or attend school/training. Must meet work requirements.
• Housing Assistance – Low-income renters, homeless individuals, and special needs populations like elderly or disabled. Availability varies by program type and location.

Meeting the income limits, which are tied to the Federal Poverty Level guidelines, is the basic qualifier for most welfare programs in Wyoming. Other eligibility factors depend on the specific program rules.

FAQs

Important Resources:

• Wyoming Department of Family Services – SNAP: https://dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/food-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/

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