The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), has approved an increase in the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) income eligibility standards for American Samoa’s elderly, blind and disabled individuals.
Director Muavaefa’atasi John Edward Suisala of the Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) announced that starting October 1, 2019, the income eligibility limit will increase from $1,008 to $1,718.
This means that any elderly, blind or disabled individual who earns $1,718 in monthly gross income or less qualifies for monthly ASNAP benefits.
They must also meet non-financial criteria that includes residency requirements (e.g., US citizens, US nationals and certain categories of legal aliens).
Director Muavaefa’atasi said, “I am extremely happy that FNS approved our request to increase the ASNAP income eligibility standards following the ASNAP budget negotiation meetings with them in July 2019”.
He said he increase in ASNAP income eligibility limit will allow for more individuals to qualify for monthly supplemental food assistance especially individuals who meet non-financial requirements but were denied assistance because of excessive income.
The DHSS Director encourages those who were denied due to excessive income to come in and reapply for ASNAP benefits if their monthly gross income is $1,718 or less.
With the increase in income limit, ASNAP’s monthly benefit levels will now change as follows effective Tuesday, October 1, 2019:
Incomes: Benefits
$0 – $343…..$139
$344 – $687…$111
$688 – $1,032…$89
$1,033 – $1,375…$71
$1,376 – $1,718…$56
Director Muavaefa’atasi thanks USDA FNS Western Regional Administrator Jesus Mendoza, Western Regional SNAP Branch Chief Melissa Baker, Lead Program Specialist Jodi Gonzalez and the USDA FNS National and Western Regional management team and staff for their continued support which has made the increase possible.
