There are a number of eligible requirements individuals and households must meet to receive benefits from this particular food assistance program. Although some minor requirements may change from state to state, under federal rules most requirements for eligibility are the same. To get SNAP benefits, households must meet certain tests, including income and resource tests. Income requirements state that individuals and households may qualify for benefits if they earn a gross monthly income (amount you take in before any deductions) of 130% or less of the federal poverty level for a specific household (Where Do, 2014). A household's net income, or income after deductions, must be at or below the poverty line. There is also a resource requirement for SNAP. Some eligibility requirements vary from each state but households may have up to $2,250 in countable resources or in a bank account. An individual may have up to $3,250 in countable resources if at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or someone who is disabled. Lastly there are immigrant eligibility requirements for SNAP as well. Immigrants must have lived in the country for 5 years (Where Do, 2014).
In 1933 the first foundation of SNAP was built as a part of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). This program was established in during the middle of the Great Depression which was an economic downfall preceding World War II. During the time period, there was a decline in most industries which forced a tremendous amount of people to become unemployed and forced to live in poverty. During this time, farmers struggled with their own economic depression due to recent drought and to the falling food prices. To support farmers, the federal government bought basic farm commodities at discount prices and distributed them among hunger relief agencies in states and local communities (SNAP, 2014). By 1939 Henry Wallace created the Food Stamps Program in the United States.
