What is SNAP?
SNAP (food stamps) stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a public benefits program offered by the government to help low-income households purchase food. The program helps millions of Americans put food on the table for their families.
What is overpayment?
When you apply for SNAP benefits, the information provided on your application determines the amount of assistance you receive based on factors such as income, household size, and other eligibility criteria. If your circumstances change or an error occurs on your application, you may receive more benefits than you are entitled to. In such cases, the Florida Department of Children and Families will issue an overpayment notice requiring repayment of the excess amount.
For many families, SNAP benefits are often a critical lifeline. By the time an overpayment notice arrives, the funds may have already been spent on essential groceries. Repaying the difference may lead to further financial and legal hardship.
Repayment Plans
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) can help lower your debt by negotiating a repayment plan. The Department of Children and Families have a minimum monthly repayment amount of $45 per month if the overpayment can be paid in full over the course of a 3-year period. If the claim can’t be paid over the requested time period, the balance will be divided by 36 months to determine a monthly repayment plan.
Get Help with Public Benefits at FRLS
FRLS provides free legal help with resolving public benefits overpayments for qualified Floridians. FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and farmworkers statewide.
Applying for help is free and can be done over the phone at 1-888-582-3410 or online at FRLS.org.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.