Sometimes, people need a little help to get by, and that’s where programs like food stamps (also known as SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) come in. If someone you know is applying for food stamps, you might be asked to write a letter of support. This letter can help them show that they really need the help. Writing a good letter is easier than you might think! This guide will help you write a clear and helpful letter of support.
What’s the Main Goal of a Support Letter?
The main goal of a support letter for food stamps is to provide extra information that backs up the applicant’s story and shows why they need help with food. It’s like being a character witness in a case. You’re sharing what you know about the person and their situation to help the agency understand their needs better. This information can be especially important if the applicant faces unique challenges.
Consider this example: You know someone who lost their job due to an injury. You can write in your letter about that job loss and how it affects their ability to buy groceries. This can help the food stamp agency understand the applicant’s situation better and hopefully speed up the approval process.
This letter is about showing the agency that the person is truthful and in a difficult spot. It’s not about making promises or guaranteeing anything. It’s about providing the agency with extra details to assist with their decision-making.
Remember, you’re providing your perspective to the food stamp agency to give them a more complete picture of the applicant’s situation.
Who Should Write the Letter?
The best person to write a letter of support is someone who knows the applicant well and can honestly describe their situation. This could be a friend, a family member, a neighbor, a former employer, or even a caseworker. It’s important that the person writing the letter has firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s circumstances.
Think about the relationship you have with the applicant. Is it strong enough to provide an honest picture of the situation? If you aren’t sure of details like where they shop for food, or how many mouths they feed, it might be better to decline. If you’re close to the applicant and know about their struggles, your perspective can be very valuable.
The letter should be written by someone who isn’t afraid to speak the truth. The goal is to provide the agency with honest and relevant information. Lying or exaggerating will not help the applicant and could even cause problems.
Consider these examples:
- A neighbor can write about seeing the applicant struggle to pay bills.
- A former employer could write about the applicant’s job history.
- A close friend can mention any health concerns that might be impacting the applicant’s ability to work or buy food.
What Information Should Be Included?
Your letter should include several key pieces of information to make it as helpful as possible. First, clearly state your relationship to the applicant. Are you a friend, a family member, or a former colleague? This provides context for the agency and helps them understand why you’re writing.
Next, include specific details about the applicant’s situation. This could involve their financial challenges, difficulties finding work, health problems, or other obstacles. Being specific is important. General statements are not as helpful as concrete examples.
It’s also important to be honest and truthful in your letter. Only include information that you know to be true. Don’t guess, and don’t make things up. Providing inaccurate information can hurt the applicant’s case.
Here’s a suggested outline of information to include:
- Your relationship to the applicant.
- Specific examples of their struggles.
- Any relevant details.
- A simple closing statement of support.
How to Format the Letter
Your letter doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be easy to read and understand. Start by using a standard business letter format. You can use your own computer to do this. This means including your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s contact information.
The body of the letter should be clear and concise. Use simple language and avoid long, complex sentences. Get straight to the point. Remember, you are providing supporting evidence, so be factual and straightforward. Break up your letter with paragraphs to make it easier to read.
Proofread your letter before sending it. Check for any spelling errors or grammatical mistakes. These errors can distract from the information you’re trying to convey. It’s best to have another person review the letter to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Here’s how to format the recipient’s information, as an example:
| Line 1 | Name of the Agency |
|---|---|
| Line 2 | Street Address of the Agency |
| Line 3 | City, State, Zip Code |
Example Phrases and Wording
Using the right words can make your letter much more effective. Start by stating your relationship to the applicant and how long you’ve known them. For example, you can say, “I am a close friend of [Applicant’s Name], and I have known them for five years.”
When you describe their situation, be specific. Instead of saying “They are struggling,” try “They recently lost their job due to a company closing and are finding it difficult to find work.” This helps the agency understand the reality of the situation.
Always remain factual, and present the information clearly. The best letters have clear examples. If you know they are unable to afford food, you can mention that you’ve observed them at food banks. Or, if they’re struggling with health issues, briefly mention those issues.
Here are some example phrases you could use:
- “I am writing to offer support…”
- “To the best of my knowledge…”
- “I have personally witnessed…”
- “Based on my observations…”
What to Avoid in Your Letter
There are a few things you should avoid when writing a letter of support. First, don’t include anything that isn’t true. Providing false information can damage the applicant’s case and might cause legal problems.
Avoid making guarantees or promises that you can’t keep. You cannot guarantee that the applicant will change their habits or behaviors. Focus on what you know to be true about their current situation. Instead of writing, “I guarantee they will never waste food,” try, “I have never seen them waste food.”
Don’t include overly emotional language or personal attacks. Keep your tone professional and focused on the facts. Your letter’s goal is to provide the agency with accurate and useful information, not to vent your feelings.
Here’s what to avoid, as a quick reminder:
- False information.
- Making guarantees.
- Overly emotional language.
- Personal attacks.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of support can be a meaningful way to help someone in need. By providing clear, honest, and specific information, you can help the food stamp agency understand the applicant’s situation. Remember to be truthful, focus on the facts, and use a simple, easy-to-understand format. Your letter, combined with the applicant’s information, can make a real difference in getting them the help they need.