Do assets or just income count when determining eligibility for food stamps, medicaid, etc.?

[Anonymous]

Circumstances I won't trouble you with may soon thrust me into having no income with two middle-school kids for a while. I have some savings with will help with the mortgage and other expenses for a while. My question is, for public aid generally, do they look at just income or will they also look at assets (savings)? I live in DC.

[Anonymous]

They look at it all...but differing requirements depending on assisstance you are seeking...
depends

[Anonymous]

They look at assets. You'll have to use up almost all of your savings first.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the program. I know for food stamps in NJ they look at income only, not assets. But for other programs they expect you to spend down your assets before being eligible, sometimes with the exclusion of your primary residence. I don't know specifically about DC but I'd imagine there are similarly variable requirements for different programs.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the responses. I know what to look out for.

[Anonymous]

for free school meals it's income only.

[Anonymous]

I think most programs tend to be income based, but some, like medicaid, look at assets too.

[Anonymous]

Many states have insurance programs for kids so your kids might qualify for a Medicaid program even if you don't. I think the acronym is CHIP.

[Anonymous]

PP here. I just learned of the Food Share program through, I think, Catholic Charities, where you can get a ton of groceries for $20. I haven't tried it yet, but as a single mom with no money, I think I might google it for next month.