| For millions of unemployed workers out there, the | | | | Program, manages food stamp benefits for |
| standard 26 weeks of unemployment benefits | | | | people all over the country. If you qualify for |
| just aren't enough. So what do you do when you | | | | SNAP, you'll get food stamp benefits for 26 |
| cannot collect unemployment benefits anymore? | | | | weeks. If you need more, you can apply for a |
| All hope is not lost; there are several things you | | | | food stamp benefits extension that usually lasts |
| can do to keep a roof over your head and food | | | | 13-20 weeks. The amount of money you receive |
| on your table. | | | | in food stamp benefits can vary, depending on |
| 1. Apply for an extension of your unemployment | | | | your income and size of your family. |
| benefits. | | | | If you qualify for food stamp benefits, you will |
| In many cases, you can collect unemployment | | | | get an EBT card. Every month, money will be |
| benefits for longer than the standard 26 weeks. | | | | electronically sent to your EBT card, and you use |
| In times of high unemployment, extensions are | | | | the card to pay for your groceries. However, |
| common. However, the length of your extension | | | | there are exceptions to what the EBT card will |
| will depend on the current unemployment rate in | | | | pay for. Household goods, like napkins, and food |
| your state. The higher it is, the longer extension | | | | from the deli are usually not covered under food |
| you may qualify for. | | | | stamp benefits. |
| 2. Apply for TANF. | | | | 4. See if you're eligible for Medicaid. |
| TANF, or the Temporary Assistance for Needy | | | | Medicaid is a federal program that gives medical |
| Families program, used to be called welfare. It's a | | | | benefits to low-income people who cannot afford |
| federally-funded program that can help you pay | | | | traditional health insurance. Under Medicaid, |
| for necessary expenses. TANF can also help you | | | | payments are sent directly to your health care |
| get food stamp benefits and help with your job | | | | providers. In some states, even if you're eligible |
| search. To qualify for TANF, you will have to | | | | for Medicaid, you have to pay a portion of your |
| meet certain income requirements. And, even | | | | medical costs. In other states, Medicaid covers |
| though TANF is funded by the federal | | | | 100% of your medical expenses. |
| government, it's up to each individual state to | | | | Even if you are not eligible for Medicaid, your |
| administer the program, meaning the benefits and | | | | children may be. Your best bet is to apply, and |
| requirements may vary by state. | | | | see if anyone in your family can get coverage. |
| 3. Apply for the SNAP Program. | | | | 5. |
| SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance | | | | |