OT Food Stamps

[Nini2686]

Ok this is off topic but I am wondering about food stamps in the state of NJ. My unemployment benefits just ended today and I want to apply for food stamps. I have a 19th month old daughter and pregnant with my second. I do have a checking account and a savings account. My question is.. can they see that I have a savings account if I don't tell them. I am not trying to cheat the system but I do have money in there that will pay my rent. Does anyone know what they can or can't see? Once again... I don't want it to seem like I am cheating the system, I am so stressed out about how I am going to pay for things and food stamps could really help with purchasing food.

[pregagain28]

Thanks. We dont have it in australia. Although they have centrelink payments

[Aliciaw]

Food stamps are an aid to help purchase food.

[pregagain28]

What are food stamps? It might sound stupid me asking this but over here there is no such thing......

[seattlemom2plus]

I know for me I just told them I have this left over but that is going to be used for my rent, you could always withdrawal the money from your account and hold it out for the rent.  Ugh keep us posted.  By me telling them about my savings they counted it as my income and I did not get my food stamps because of it :(  so it delayed me even though I had no income coming in.

[mami2karina]

I agree with Ashelen. If the money's there for rent go ahead and pay it up so you don't have to worry. Just make sure you get receipts from your landlord or rental company so they can't come up and say later that you didn't pay.

[Ashelen]

this may sound sneaky, but trust me I understand not having enough money and needing help....I would go ahead and pay all of my rent ahead of time. I really would. then you won't have such a huge lump in savings, and they won't be able to count it against you.

[Nini2686]

Ok thanks for all your replies. In NJ I am almost positive you can have up to $2,000 in liquid assets too. I have more than this so that's why I'm worried. This money is going to my rent though so it's not like I have extra money lying around to spend. It's so my daughter and I won't be homeless. But of course I know they wont understand this.

[jtaylor102481]

I know they ask for all banking statements so it is better tp tell them in RI its the same ur allowed up to 2000 in liquid assests I applied for them recently I am also out of work right due to bedrest and they are big help good luck

[LosingMyMindInGA]

In most states you are allowed up to a certain amount of "liquid assets"  Here in Georgia it's up to $2000.  You can go on the NJ state website and see what the limits are or just call their office.  They CAN pull up your accounts by your social security number which you HAVE To provide.  So I wouldn't risk not telling them.  

[Aliciaw]

I am not sure but I mean it would make sence if they do check. They don't want to approve some one that has a large savings account balance. Not saying that you do just saying in general. I would apply anyways.

[Dolphin05]

Here in california the do ask for all bank account information, including savings. You also have to provide copies of your bank statements to show how much you have in there. Here you are allowed $2,000 in property before they can stop benefits. As far as can they find out, yes they can because you social security number shows everything. For that reason i could never put my tax return in my account.

[marisol_jose]

I know that here in Tucson az they don't check .  Sure they don't check where u live ad well