Last month on SNAP
By Kristen Howe
@KristenH (33393)
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
July 31, 2023 5:10pm CST
A little over a decade, I first applied for SNAP benefits since I was on a SSDI. This was the same time about a year or so, when my mother was alive, and before she died. I've been on SNAP ever since. But when I decided to get a job, both Danielle and my brother knew, I would expect to lose them at some point. Well, it happened. I officially got a letter, stating that starting tomorrow is my last month I'll receive SNAP benefits. I've called Job and Family Services about it and spoke to someone on the phone--last week, I called them to check in with them on updating them on the rent change's emailed documents for my final year at my apartment. That's good to go. But then they talked about my income with Goodwill.
At first, they mentioned Minute Man, the temp agency, that I worked with, last summer, and last fall, for three temp jobs in June and September 2023. I received the paperwork from them last week belatedly, though I told them about Goodwill. I was expected to receive a form for my manager or assistant manager to sign off on my consistent 20 hours (5 hours/4 days a week). It hasn't changed much. Instead, I've gotten the notification that I'm no longer eligible to receive SNAP benefits anymore. And the reason was it went over the monthly threshold of $1430, if you combine SSDI and my Goodwill income. I'll still have Medicaid though. Even if I moved money around and appealed, it wouldn't change much either, due to my income issues.
I've called Danielle and let her know on what they said. She talked to her boss and then told me to contact Jamie. I did. She can't help me much, other than to change jobs because of this issue, and to reapply for services again (though I still haven't gotten the official case closed letter in the mail from OOD.) And then I let Danielle know about this too. I've told my brother. He said he expected this to happen and sorry to hear this. But he said I'll be fine and do okay. In 30 days from tomorrow, it'll be the end of the road with SNAP. Even if I changed jobs in the future, and SSDI will be increased next year, it's not going to change much too. Except if I move to a new apartment and have a different rent change, it might be effective.
So I'm going to use up my final month on SNAP this weekend until it's zero. And then kiss it goodbye. I'm going to make a grocery budget at the end of every month with my grocery list ($150-230), then put in my grocery delivery order around the same time. I don't have to wait for the 5th of the month anymore. I just have to use digital coupons, buy generic/inexpensive foods, and use apps like Ibotta to save money.
Does anyone have any tips for me? Please share. Sorry I'm so behind with posting updates this month. It's been a busy month for sure. I'll post some throughout this week and weekend. I'll check in with you all tomorrow afternoon.
11 people like this
9 responses
@snowy22315 (182204)
• United States
1 Aug 23
it sucks that this is happening, but be proud of yourself for working and taking care of yourself. Maybe you will have to stick to more basics than you are used to..but being self sufficient is a good feeling.
3 people like this
@kaylachan (71804)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
1 Aug 23
Find a way to go to local stores in-person. You might find better deals not found online.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (90474)
• Arvada, Colorado
1 Aug 23
Its almost like if you try to better yourself, they take all the stuff away. Sorry that is happening Kristen.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (108197)
• Marion, Ohio
1 Aug 23
Be proud that you are learning to take care of yourself. A shopping list is the most important thing. You can decide what you want to cook and then check what you need.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (93949)
• United States
31 Jul 23
I think you’ve thought it through well. Remember generic is your friend, and see if you can learn to like less expensive, but still healthy food. I’m not saying less expensive because you have caviar tastes; I’m saying less expensive like the cheaper fruits and vegetables. It’s all expensive nowadays. Look to see also, if you qualify for a food pantry. Sometimes you have to show income, and sometimes you don’t. Just because you don’t have SNAP doesn’t mean you won’t be okay for a food pantry.
Aldi’s and WinCo seem to be the cheapest grocery stores. Do you have either of those stores near you?
It seems to stink, but you should be proud of yourself that you’ve worked your way up to making enough not to get them. That’s just what you have to remember.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (80784)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
1 Aug 23
I live from month to month with my SS. However, I budge at best I can and often doing the surveys I do I get gift cards. Sometimes not much but every bit helps. Now in August when I order from Walmart I already have a $10 gift card on my account and that makes me able to get the groceries I need. Best of luck to you with your job.
2 people like this
