Getting a letter saying your SNAP application was rejected can be frustrating, especially when the reason seems vague. “We rejected your SNAP application because of the circumstances of your family group” is a common phrase used by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It essentially means that your application was denied because of something specific about how your household is set up, who lives there, or how they are financially connected. This essay will break down what that phrase *really* means, helping you understand why your application might have been denied and what you might be able to do about it.
Understanding the Basics: What Does This Rejection Reason Mean?
This rejection reason means that SNAP determined your household setup didn’t meet the program’s requirements. The term “family group” refers to people who live together and share resources, like food and money. SNAP has rules about who *must* be included in your household when applying. The rejection implies that the group wasn’t considered a legitimate household according to SNAP’s rules, or it suggests that the circumstances of the household, as a whole, didn’t meet the income, resource, or other eligibility guidelines.
Income Limits and Household Size
Income Thresholds
One of the primary reasons for rejection is income. SNAP has strict income limits, meaning your household’s total gross or net income can’t exceed a certain amount. These limits are based on the size of your household. The bigger your family, the higher your income threshold, but there’s still a limit. When your application is rejected due to “circumstances of your family group,” income is often the culprit.
SNAP uses both gross and net income. Gross income is your income before taxes and other deductions. Net income is your income after certain deductions are taken out. These calculations can be tricky, and SNAP considers many things like:
- Wages from jobs
- Self-employment income
- Social Security benefits
- Unemployment compensation
SNAP will look at the total income of *everyone* in your defined household to determine eligibility. If your combined income goes above the maximum allowed for your household size, your application will likely be rejected. Even if you only work part-time or have a low income, combined with other members of the household, the income limits may be exceeded. This is because SNAP is designed to help those who are struggling with food costs and this threshold is meant to ensure those most in need are helped.
SNAP uses the Federal Poverty Guidelines to determine these limits. These guidelines are updated annually, so the income limits can change year to year, or even more frequently.
Resource Limits: What You Own Matters
Understanding Assets
SNAP also has rules about how much money or other resources your household can have. These “resources” often include things like checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and sometimes even the value of a vehicle. These limits are designed to ensure SNAP is helping those who need it most. If your family group has resources that exceed the allowed amount, your application could be denied because of the circumstances of the family group.
SNAP usually has a limit on the amount of money in a checking or savings account. The resource limit can vary depending on the state, but often, it’s around $2,750 if someone in the household is age 60 or over or disabled. For other households, it might be $2,500 or less.
SNAP generally excludes certain assets like the home you live in, and sometimes one vehicle. However, if you have excessive savings, stocks, or other liquid assets, that can impact your eligibility. The state agencies will review any bank statements or other documentation about any assets that your family group owns.
Here’s a simplified example of what might be considered a “resource” that could cause a denial:
- Large Savings Accounts
- Stocks & Bonds
- Cash on Hand
Who’s In and Who’s Out: Household Definition
Defining the “Household”
SNAP defines a “household” very specifically. Usually, this means people who live together and buy and prepare food together. The rules around who *must* be included in your SNAP application can be confusing. If the agency believes you have not defined your household correctly, or if the agency considers the household to have too many earners, you could be rejected due to the circumstances of your family group.
Here’s a basic breakdown of what is included:
- Spouses must be included together.
- Children under 22 living with their parents are usually included.
- Someone buying and preparing food with you is usually included.
There are some exceptions. For example, if a family member is receiving their own SNAP benefits, they might not be included in your household. Additionally, students may have specific rules and requirements. Even if someone *does* live with you, they might not be included on your SNAP application depending on their situation. A common scenario where the definition of “family group” gets tricky is with extended family.
For instance, if you live with your adult sibling, and they buy and prepare food separately from you, they might not be considered part of your household. However, if your sibling’s income is counted because they help pay rent, or if their resources are pooled with yours, they *would* likely need to be included on your SNAP application. The agency will look at the financial interconnectedness of the family group.
The “In-Kind Support” Issue
Understanding In-Kind Support
“In-kind support” is when someone provides you with something valuable, like food or shelter, without you paying for it. This can sometimes be considered as income by SNAP, depending on the situation. For example, if a friend is letting you live in their home rent-free and also buys your groceries, that could be considered in-kind support. This could indirectly cause your application to be rejected “due to the circumstances of your family group” because the provided support could have changed the income that you would receive.
The rules about in-kind support can be complicated, and the impact can vary. It’s important to be honest and accurate about who is providing support and what they’re providing, and to understand if it can affect your benefits. Some common forms of in-kind support include:
- Someone paying your rent or mortgage directly.
- Someone providing you with free utilities (like electricity).
- Someone regularly buying your groceries.
However, small acts of kindness (like a friend occasionally sharing a meal) are generally *not* considered in-kind support. The key is regularity and the value of the assistance. The value of the support will be considered, and depending on its value, may impact the income limits of your application. The state will also assess the circumstances of the family group, including any other income.
Work Requirements and Their Impact
Employment and Eligibility
SNAP has work requirements for some adults. Generally, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet certain work requirements to receive SNAP benefits. If you are an ABAWD and not meeting those requirements, your application might be rejected. The circumstances of your family group can indirectly affect this.
The requirements are generally:
- Working a certain number of hours per week (usually 20 hours).
- Participating in a work training program.
- Actively looking for a job.
However, even if you meet the work requirements yourself, the circumstances of your family group could play a role in a rejection. For example, if another adult in your household is an ABAWD and doesn’t meet the requirements, the whole household might be penalized, impacting eligibility. This is because SNAP views the household as a unit. Furthermore, the requirements may be temporarily waived for certain areas with high unemployment rates. Here is a quick chart describing some work requirements.
| Requirement Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Employment | Working a minimum number of hours per week. |
| Job Search | Actively looking for employment. |
| Training | Participation in job training or education programs. |
Meeting the work requirements is a crucial part of SNAP eligibility for many individuals, so understanding these is important. If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, it’s best to contact your local SNAP office for clarification.
Verification and Documentation
Importance of Documentation
SNAP requires you to provide documentation to prove your income, resources, and household circumstances. If you fail to provide the necessary documentation, or if the documentation is incomplete or doesn’t support your claims, your application might be rejected due to the circumstances of your family group. This may be because your family group has not provided the verification requested and your eligibility cannot be confirmed.
Examples of the documentation you may need to provide are:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Bank statements
- Proof of residency (lease, utility bills)
- Information about other household members (birth certificates, Social Security cards)
It is crucial to understand that SNAP will review the documentation of the financial circumstances of the family group. Make sure you provide everything requested in a timely manner. This might include providing documentation from other members of your household. This is critical for proving eligibility, so gather all of the necessary information before you apply, and be prepared to provide it when requested. If you’re unsure what documentation is needed, contact the SNAP office for a list.
Conclusion
Getting rejected from SNAP can be a setback, but understanding the reason behind the denial is the first step to fixing the issue. When you receive the notice, “We rejected your SNAP application because of the circumstances of your family group,” it’s important to carefully review the specifics of your case. This means double-checking income, resources, who is included in your household, any potential in-kind support, and whether you or anyone in your household is meeting work requirements. Gather all the necessary documentation and, if you believe the rejection was incorrect or that your situation has changed, consider reapplying or appealing the decision. SNAP is there to help, and with a clear understanding of the rules and your rights, you can navigate the process and get the support your family needs.