Food Stamps/SNAP -- Need Advice (apartment, rent, house)

[jen78fl14]

Hi all. Well my boyfriend and I would like to try to get food stamps. We are wondering if its possible for both of us to get food stamps, living in the same apartment. I have heard that 2 members of one household can get food stamps, saying that they are roommates and cook meals separately. I guess what Im wondering, is it going to affect chances of either of us getting food stamps if we both apply or are we both likely to get them? Also we are dealing with staffing agencies right now but neither of us is working at the moment. Any advice on this subject is appreciated, Thanks all!!

Jenn

[LakeLifePA]

Jennifer, you should consider removing your real name from your post if you are still able to edit it. I believe I was just able to easily identify you via Facebook. Are you originally from Texas? If so, that's you that I found. Be careful when posting on these forums. Good luck in finding a job.

[VexedAndSolitary]

"Household" for these purposes is defined as a "tax household", that is, a household is comprised of whomever files tax return and THEIR DEPENDENTS.

A common and understandable mistake.

Household is NOT whom one lives with, just whom one files taxes with.
Ex: if my 18 y/o daughter moves out of my house into her own place, but I still claim her on my taxes as a dependent as she is in college, she is PART OF MY HOUSEHOLD though we do not live together.

So as long as you and your BF do not claim one another on your taxes, you each are considered a household unto yourself.

For household, just put yourself. You can live with six or a dozen relatives, as long as you all file your taxes separately and do not claim one another as dependents, you are all SEPARATE households despite sharing an address.
His income will count only as far as his portion of the monthy rent, therefore your monthly expenses for housing are reduced by whatever portion he covers.

[jen78fl14]

Thanks Overitall. That makes sense. I am just trying to figure out if we should apply for food stamps separately or together...

[VexedAndSolitary]

As two separate TAX households you cannot apply together. You aren't a "household" just because you cohabit, see.
Were you married, and filed a joint tax return, or single but he claimed you as a dep, then you would file as a household together.

Just do 2 separate apps, and when asked how many members in your household, put one (unless you have a child you claim as a dep). They may ask if you live with another adult who contributes to the rent to determine your income/expenses. That's where he and his income are factored in.

Another point re: child. If you have a child but, say, you are divorced from the father and the father claims the child as a dependent, that child then is NOT a member of your household for these purposes even if child LIVES WITH YOU.

[jen78fl14]

Well I am not trying to get away with anything at all. Just getting info.. went to office today... they said since we live together we have to apply together.. so theres my answer.

[jen78fl14]

dont even know how u delete or edit a post on here

[VexedAndSolitary]

Who said you were trying to get away with something?

I am surprised, I have helped folks apply in VA and it was as I told you.

My daughter tried to get FS when she moved out at 18 for college as well and was told as long as she is claimed as a dependent she is in MY household tax wise and my income would count, but if she files herself as a single person, that would be as I told you above. Same for her roommates, separate tax households so they did not count.

Maybe differs by state.

Anyhow I hope you get the help you need and good luck!