SNAP BENEFIT CALCULATIONS NEED UPDATING

The SNAP formula that determines benefits based on how much it costs to provide families with good nutrition needs 21st century updates, says Children’s Health Watch. SNAP benefit calculations are currently based on the government’s estimate of the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan, which is no longer adequate to buy the food needed for a healthy diet. A proposed House bill would use a more realistic reflection of people’s actual food needs and their costs—the Low Cost Food Plan. Any new SNAP calculation should also reflect the true cost of housing and healthcare. Families do not receive full “credit” for their housing, heating, or cooling costs, especially in high-cost regions. Instead a capped maximum amount is deducted from their income to represent housing and utility costs. And, although everyone uses and pays for healthcare, currently only seniors and disabled people can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses. For families of children with special healthcare needs, like asthma or allergies, medical costs can pile up especially quickly.

Source: Children’s Health Watch, 9/9/14, SNAP Calculations