Work Requirements

• Families qualify for the food stamp initiative program through work, according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. If a family has one adult member, that adult must work at least 30 hours a week or receive the equivalent of 30 hours' worth of work at the federal minimum wage a week. If there is more than one adult, then both adults must work at least 20 hours a week, or receive the equivalent in minimum wage.
  
  

Applying

• Families that are deemed eligible for the food stamp initiative are eligible for a phone interview instead of the typical face-to-face interview, according to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Phone interviews save time, money and hassle for the applicant. No time needs to be taken off work, no childcare needs to be arranged and applicants don't have to worry about transportation.
  
  

Verification of Application

• When you apply, you'll need to submit paperwork that backs up your income, expenses, identity and residency. Provide a copy of photo identification, bills, earned and unearned income, social security numbers for everyone in the home, citizenship and resources (such as money in the bank). You have 10 days from the date of application to provide proof, but you may have additional time as long you provide identification. Families applying for expedited benefits, which are emergency food stamps made available within seven days of applying, you must submit verification within five days of applying.
  
  

Benefit Allotments

• A working family of three can receive as much as $526 a month in food stamps, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A family of four can get as much as $668 a month. Studies have shown that as poverty levels rise, participation in the food stamp program declines, meaning there are families suffering from hunger when they could be receiving hundreds of dollars a month to buy food. The food stamp initiative is here to help them.