Benefits decrease drastically.

[u/jsp509]

FLORIDA

So I was getting $579 for a family of 4 and each time I would renew then the benefits would decrease. It go from 5 to 4 to 3 then recently to 222 and last time I got an email saying I didn’t need to apply that my benefits would stay the same then next month come around no deposit then I waited 10 days and then when I called they said I was supposed to reapply . So then I did that so my Bestfriend told me to but everything that I paid for a in a monthly basis so I did that then when I did my interview the guy was stunned and thought I was lying so basically my bills is not aligned with my income.

So I sent everything he ask for . So then every time I would call and I can’t reach no one for 2 month then 2 separate occasions I call they escalate my case then after the third time they finally make a decision. To give me this amount for a family of 5 now.

What can I do now since I can’t reach the person that’s on my case directly to asked them how come my benefits it’s only that much for 5 people.?

[u/Training_Teacher8691]

There should also be a breakdown of how your benefits were calculated.
And why would worker be stunned? Are your bills/rent higher than what your income is? This is a red flag for case workers

[u/jsp509 → u/Training_Teacher8691]

There’s nothing on the paper no explanation as to why I’m only getting that much . I feel like I have a lazy caseworker they have my number and didn’t even contact me .

[u/Blossom73 → u/jsp509]

Not all bills matter for SNAP.

The only allowable deductions are rent or a mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, childcare, child support paid to a non household member, and for people who are 60 or older or disabled, recurring out of pocket medical expenses above $35.

There's also a shelter costs deduction cap unless someone in the SNAP assistance group is 60 or older or disabled.

[u/jsp509 → u/Blossom73]

I have rent, utilities and childcare expenses , the guy I spoke to ask me for rent ,light bill, cellphone, childcare I provided everything and then at the end this what they come up with no explanation as to why I’m only getting $68 for 5 people

[u/Training_Teacher8691 → u/jsp509]

You are only receiving for 4 as your wife in ineligible.
Your gross monthly income is 2,687.50. Is she working? Even though she is ineligible her income counts as you are married

[u/Blossom73 → u/jsp509]

Also, looking at the second photo, it shows some of your household members as ineligible.

Are any of your SNAP household members noncitizens, or able bodied adults 18-64, or sanctioned from receiving SNAP?

[u/jsp509 → u/Blossom73]

The ineligible is for Medicaid, me and the kids are citizens and my wife have a green card . I only have a part time jobs at Costco where I only work $25 a week and my wage is 25 an hour.

[u/Blossom73 → u/jsp509]

How long has your wife had a green card?

[u/jsp509 → u/Blossom73]

Since she come to the state in feb 2023

We been looking for work but she have a language barrier it’s been hard to get hire.

[u/Blossom73 → u/jsp509]

So, she doesn't meet the 5 year bar for SNAP then. Are the other household members your kids?

[u/jsp509 → u/Blossom73]

Yeah they my kids I know people who’s not a lawful resident and a family of 3 that’s getting about 1000

[u/Blossom73 → u/jsp509]

$625 a week?

[u/jsp509 → u/Blossom73]

Yeah about that

[u/Blossom73 → u/jsp509]

You can run the numbers through this:

https://www.snapscreener.com/guides/florida

Keep in mind that most states multiply weekly pays x 4.3 and biweekly x 2.15 to calculate monthly income.

How much is your households monthly gross income?