How To Apply For Food Stamps
The USDA's Food Stamp program enables low-income families to buy nutritious food and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Tips:
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Contact your local food stamp office. In the telephone book, the office should be listed under "Food Stamps", "Social Services", "Human Services", "Public Assistance", or a similar title.
- Everyone in your household must have a Social Security number and meet other requirements. [See Related features for more information.]
- When you apply, you will need to provide several pieces of information proving your identity, income, rent, etc. [See Related Features for more information.]
- See the Tips section below for information on household resource and income limits.
- Federal law says that once you sign and submit your application form, the Food Stamp Certification Office must interview you and tell you if you qualify within 30 days.
Tips:
- Each state has a "Food Stamp Hotline" telephone number offering information on the program. [See Related Features for more information.]
- Different requirements apply to legal immigrants. [See Legal Immigrant Information under Related Features for details.]
- If you are receiving or applying for Social Security (SSI) benefits, you can apply for food stamps at any Social Security office.