Food stamps worth $1,504 available as 41.5m eligible for SNAP – see the maximum income allowed in order to qualify

FOOD stamps worth up to $1,504 are currently available to thousands in Virginia as 41.5million families nationwide take advantage of benefits.

Residents in the state can only apply, however, if their income and savings fall below a certain limit.

The Virginia Department of Social Justice announced earlier this month that additional funds will be provided to those who are eligible to receive food stamps.

It said the additional $1,504 would be added to beneficiaries' Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards automatically on Sunday, January 16.

Households will be eligible if they have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001.

A one-person household will also be eligible if they have an income below $16,744.

The income threshold rises by $5,902 for each extra person in a household.

For example, the maximum income for a four-person household would be $34,450.

Food stamps, otherwise known as SNAP (supplemental nutritional assistance program) is a federal nutritional program that aids people in providing food for low-income families.

The Virginia announcement was made after President Joe Biden asked to increase SNAP benefits by 15-20 percent for as many as 12 million Americans.

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Food stamps are an essential lifeline for many families across the country who are struggling to make ends meet.

Just over 40million Americans rely on food stamps in order to feed themselves and put food on the table.

The food stamps can be used to purchase nutritious food at applicable retail stores across various different states that are working alongside the Supplementary assistance nutritional program.

The monthly benefits are provided through an EBT card, similar to a debit card.

These benefits are deposited every month into the EBT account of those who are eligible for SNAP.

It is estimated that over 17,000 households will be applying for an increase in food stamps.

FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for food stamps varies depending on your gross monthly income. Those eligible must be earning below a certain percentage of the poverty line.

This percentage can vary depending on your state.

Generally, the percentage must be below 130 percent of the poverty line.

Nearly an additional $25 million of the extra benefits will be provided to low-income families who are eligible for the SNAP.

According to the Department of Social of Social Justice, the additional benefits will be automatically logged into the EBT cards of those who are part of the program.

Those who are eligible to take part in the SNAP should expect to see the additional funds in their EBT card from January 16.

Alongside this, additional food stamps worth up to over $150 are being sent to residents in six states.

Members of SNAP living in California, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, and Washington should expect to receive additional food stamps.

Check to see your SNAP eligibility and benefits here.