What are the Differences between the WIC card and SNAP food stamps? Which of the two suits you? To begin with, there is nothing like having help when resources are scarce at home and work is not enough, which is why the WIC and SNAP programs exist.
But what is each of them about?
To begin with, we are going to define each of the programs. WIC, whose acronym in Spanish stands for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, It is a short-term federal program, which indicates that it is provided for a determined time and under specific circumstances, such as pregnant women or large family responsibilities.
On the contrary, SAP, whose acronym in Spanish means Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, It is one of the largest federal programs that can exist in the territory of the USA, it consists of the provision of financial aid through coupons for maintenance and shelter for people’s basic needs.
What are the Differences between the WIC card and SNAP food stamps?
1. The subjects to whom it is addressed
One of the main differences that you have to understand is that the programs are far apart in terms of their beneficiariesIndeed, WIC is aimed at pregnant women and children who present pathologies due to malnutrition.
While the SAP is in charge of providing maintenance to the elderly in a situation of abandonment, people with chronic illnesses and low-income families, so this is a much more complete program than the previous one.
2. Requirements
Taking into consideration the beneficiaries to whom each program is directed, it is understandable that they present different enforceability requirements. In the case of WIC, medical records will be requested or the person will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to verify their health status and thus know if they apply to the program.
While in the SAP program, it does not require health documents from future beneficiaries, more so if it requires documents that demonstrate the precarious condition or cessation of economic production.
3. The duration of the benefits
In the case of SAP, the program maintains a duration of one year, time during which the people chosen will be able to enjoy the benefits fully and without any restriction. While in the case of WIC, the benefits remain during the cause that originated them.
What does this mean? That if the WIC program was granted to a surrogate mother due to her pregnancy, it is understood that her benefits will last until she gives birth. The same happens with children in pictures of malnutrition, The program will support them until they see their needs covered and their physical ailments overcome.
4. Restrictions on the acquisition of products
Those people who are covered by the WIC program can only buy the allowed products. But what are they? Well, those who are part of the alliance between food and drug companies and the federal program.
On the contrary, SAP beneficiaries can purchase all kinds of products in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Differences between the WIC Card and Food Stamps Activating the WIC card for the first time