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Food Stamps Available Next Week For Some N.J. Residents Affected By Sandy

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Most low-income New Jersey residents affected by Superstorm Sandy may apply for emergency food stamps next week.

The State of New Jersey is trying to control the process of food stamp applications more tightly than it did last year, when it used the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for the first time after the state was hit by Tropical Storm Irene.

A review found that nearly one in five people who ended up getting food stamps was not eligible for the benefits.

People who apply this time will have to show proof of residency, and receipts showing that they spent at least $100 on storm-related expenses.

Those making under 225 percent of the federal poverty rate are eligible. For a family of four, that means an income of less than $48,400.

Do you think the restrictions on food stamps are a good idea? Leave your comments below...

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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