Will Drug Addiction Treatment Invalidate My Food Stamps?

Struggling with addiction is a stressful time in your life. You’re overwhelmed by your addiction, difficulty meeting all your responsibilities, and the need to get help. It’s too much for you to take on by yourself. You know you need professional help, but you don’t know where to begin. You are faced with challenges every way you turn. One of your biggest concerns is making sure you still get the food stamps you need to get by on a monthly basis.

Will Drug Addiction Treatment Invalidate Your Food Stamps?

If you are currently eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise referred to as SNAP or food stamps, you qualified because you had a low income. The number of people in your household could also determine your eligibility. You are concerned that people who are living in institutions that provide most of their meals won’t qualify for food stamps. Under federal law, individuals in the following facilities cannot receive SNAP:

  • Nursing homes
  • Boarding schools
  • Hospitals
  • Prisons
  • Mental health instituitons

Fortunately, there are some exceptions. Disabled people in group homes that have less than 16 residents can still receive food stamps. The homeless or those who are victims of abuse who move into a shelter can also receive benefits. The same holds true for elderly people in subsidized housing. Teenagers who have recently become parents and have moved into a special residential program can still receive their food stamps. Victims of substance abuse can still get their food stamp benefits while undergoing residential or outpatient treatment.

You Cannot Lose Food Stamps While Undergoing Treatment for Addiction

Your food stamp benefits are protected by federal law if you choose to enter an addiction recovery facility. If you are going to receive residential treatment, you will need to give your facility permission to by your authorized representative while you are undergoing treatment. Once you return home after your treatment, staff from your addiction treatment center will need to send an official notification that you have had a change of address. At that point, you will receive your benefits at home once again.

Don’t Let Your Concerns About Food Stamps Stop You from Getting Help

You are sure to have many questions and worries when you are thinking about entering a drug treatment facility. You don’t know what will happen to your job, your home, or any benefits you may be receiving. You need to put your health at the top of your list right now. It’s impossible to handle anything else or find answers when substance abuse is hanging over you. Your addiction recovery facility will help you to make arrangements when you decide to enter a program. You’ll learn how you can continue to receive food stamps while you get the help you need. If you are still working, your employer cannot let you go because you enter a treatment program. Federal law protects your rights to get substance abuse treatment.

It’s Time to Start a New Chapter in Life

Addiction gets in the way of everything in your life. It doesn’t leave room for anything else. It can tear apart families, and put your job at risk, and destroy everything you have. If you don’t act now, it can take away your health. An addiction treatment facility can turn everything around. Help from addiction recovery specialists can help you take control of your life once again. When you are in recovery, you will be able to go back to work, your family, and the people you love.

Take the First Step in Your Recovery Today

We know how hard it is to face addiction day in and day out. Don’t give up. You can put addiction behind you. The first step begins with getting help from caring professionals who understand your situation. You need a safe place where you can concentrate on getting well again. Counselors are waiting to hear from you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are ready to answer your questions and will help you to find a treatment program that is a good fit for you. Call us today at 800-411-8019. A brighter future is waiting for you. Our staff will guide you on your way.