The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “What Is True?” team investigated a commonly circulated claim that most people who receive SNAP benefits are unemployed.
RESULTS: False.
Hard work or handouts? That’s the ultimatum often seen in social media posts whenever SNAP benefits are discussed. However, it’s a myth that most people receiving food stamps don’t have jobs. To learn more, read the full fact-check below.
It is a common misconception that the majority of people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programbenefits are unemployed.
The Food Research and Action Center reports that nationally, from 2019 to 2023, about 73% of households receiving benefits included at least one employed individual.
According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services, an individual or household may qualify for SNAP benefits if they have a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
Recipients may work full time for low wages, have part-time jobs, be temporarily unemployed, have a disability, be elderly or be in the foster care system. People in other circumstances may also qualify for SNAP if they meet the eligibility requirements.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported that in fiscal 2024, 67% of SNAP participants nationally were in families with children, 41% were in families with older adults or people with disabilities, and 26% were in working families.
In Mississippi, USAFacts reported that 12.3% of the state’s population received SNAP benefits in 2025.
For the same period, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Mississippi ranked 20th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., based on the share of its population receiving SNAP benefits. New Mexico ranked first, with 21.9% of the state’s population receiving benefits.
To apply for SNAP in Mississippi, people can complete a prequalification assessment on the MDHS website. Applicants will need photo identification, proof of income or unemployment, proof of residency or shelter, and documents for all household members.
To see a complete list of requirements, visit the MDHS “findhelp” page.
About “What Is True?”
The RHCJC “What Is True?” team of graduate investigators examines everything from viral online posts to local community rumors. If you have a question, submit it through the “What Is True?” inquiry form on the RHCJC website or call 855-IS-IT-TRU (855-474-8878).
This article first appeared on RHCJC and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.