FoodJanuary 14, 2026
What’s Changing with SNAP in 2026
Benefit amounts adjust each October with the cost of food, and some work requirements have shifted. Here’s what to check before you reapply.
5 min readRead more
Resources
Everything you need to navigate the system
Straight answers, plain-language definitions, and practical checklists — so you can apply with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
What we are, what we aren’t, and how this works.
No. We are a private company (ORAFARMING LLC) that runs a free information service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with HUD, USDA, HHS, the Department of Education, or any state agency.
Glossary
Common program terms in plain English.
- ACA Marketplace
- The Affordable Care Act health-insurance marketplace (HealthCare.gov) where you can buy private plans with income-based subsidies.
- ACPAffordable Connectivity Program
- A former federal internet discount that ended June 1, 2024. It has not been replaced; Lifeline is the closest current option.
- CHIPChildren's Health Insurance Program
- Low-cost health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot easily afford private insurance.
- EBTElectronic Benefit Transfer
- The debit-style card used to access SNAP and some other benefits.
- EITCEarned Income Tax Credit
- A refundable tax credit for low-to-moderate-income workers that can mean a larger refund.
- ERAEmergency Rental Assistance
- Programs that help renters cover rent and utilities during hardship. Availability varies by locality.
- FPLFederal Poverty Level
- An income measure updated yearly and used to set eligibility for many programs (often expressed as a percentage, like 138% of FPL).
- HUDDept. of Housing and Urban Development
- The federal agency overseeing housing programs, including vouchers and public housing.
- Lifeline
- A federal benefit that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible households.
- LIHEAPLow Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Federal help, run by states, for heating and cooling bills and energy emergencies.
- Medicaid
- Joint federal-state health coverage for eligible low-income people. Rules vary by state.
- Medicare
- Federal health insurance for people 65+ and some younger people with disabilities.
- PHAPublic Housing Agency
- A local agency that runs public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) in your area.
- Section 8
- Common name for the Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps pay private-market rent.
- SNAPSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card; formerly called food stamps.
- SSISupplemental Security Income
- Monthly payments for people who are 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income and resources.
- TANFTemporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Short-term cash assistance and work supports for families with children.
- TEFAPThe Emergency Food Assistance Program
- A federal program that supplies food to food banks and pantries.
- VITAVolunteer Income Tax Assistance
- Free, IRS-certified tax preparation for people who generally earn about $64,000 or less.
- VSOVeteran Service Officer
- An accredited representative who helps veterans file VA claims for free.
- WAPWeatherization Assistance Program
- Free home energy-efficiency upgrades that lower utility bills long-term.
- WICWomen, Infants, and Children
- Nutrition program for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5.
Eligibility guide
These are approximate annual income figures based on the 2025 federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Alaska and Hawaii use higher figures. Programs set their own limits and count income differently, so treat this as a rough guide only.
| Household size | 100% FPL | 138% (Medicaid) | 185% (WIC/meals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $21,597 | $28,953 |
| 2 people | $21,150 | $29,187 | $39,128 |
| 3 people | $26,650 | $36,777 | $49,303 |
| 4 people | $32,150 | $44,367 | $59,478 |
| 5 people | $37,650 | $51,957 | $69,653 |
| 6 people | $43,150 | $59,547 | $79,828 |
For households larger than six, add roughly $5,500 per additional person at 100% FPL. Always confirm with the program; many count income and deductions differently.
What to prepare
Having these ready makes most applications faster.
Identification
- Photo ID or driver’s license for each adult
- Social Security numbers (or document numbers) for household members applying
- Birth certificates for children, if asked
Proof of income
- Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days)
- Award letters for Social Security, SSI, unemployment, or pensions
- Self-employment records, if applicable
Proof of where you live
- Lease or rent receipt
- A recent utility bill in your name
- A piece of mail showing your current address
Household & expenses
- Number of people in your household and their relationship to you
- Rent or mortgage amount
- Utility, child-care, and medical costs (these can lower what counts as income)
For specific programs
- Immigration documents, if applying for a program that requires them
- DD-214 (discharge papers) for VA benefits
- Bank statements, if the program counts resources (like SSI)
Articles
Guides and updates for 2026.
Utility & InternetFebruary 3, 2026
Life After the ACP: How to Keep Internet Affordable
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. We walk through Lifeline and provider low-income plans that can fill part of the gap.
6 min readRead more
Utility & InternetFebruary 20, 2026
Understanding LIHEAP: How Energy Bill Help Works
LIHEAP can cover heating, cooling, and energy emergencies. We explain how the program generally works and where to find your local office to apply yourself.
7 min readRead more
Health & InsuranceMarch 9, 2026
Understanding Medicaid Expansion in Your State
Whether adults can qualify for Medicaid depends a lot on your state. We explain expansion in plain terms and where to apply.
6 min readRead more
FinancialMarch 25, 2026
Free Tax Prep and the Credits Worth Claiming
VITA volunteers file your taxes for free and help you claim the EITC and Child Tax Credit. Here is how to find a site near you.
5 min readRead more
RentalApril 8, 2026
Behind on Rent? Where to Turn First
From 211 to HUD-approved counselors and local eviction-prevention funds, a practical order of operations when rent is overdue.
6 min readRead more
VeteransApril 22, 2026
Veterans: Understanding VA Claims and Free VSO Help
A free, accredited Veteran Service Officer can file a VA claim with you at no cost. Here is how VSOs work and how to find one near you.
6 min readRead more
GeneralMay 6, 2026
How to Spot a Benefits Scam
Real benefit applications are free. We cover the warning signs of fee-for-application scams and how to protect your information.
4 min readRead more