Can a Simplified Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient receive benefits with their spouse if both have Supplemental Security Income?

The correct answer is that a Simplified Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient cannot receive benefits with their spouse if both have Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because SSI is considered a non-countable resource under SNAP eligibility criteria. This means that each individual's SSI income is not counted when determining eligibility for SNAP benefits.

Therefore, when both spouses receive SSI, they are deemed ineligible for joint SNAP benefits based on this income. SNAP guidelines aim to assist low-income households, but in this specific scenario, having two individuals receiving SSI leads to a disqualification from receiving joint SNAP benefits. This rule is in place to ensure that the program is effectively targeting households that genuinely need support based on income and resources, maintaining the program's integrity among those most in need.