Things You'll Need:
- Birth certificate
- State-issued identification
- Social Security card
- Financial records
- Food stamp application
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Step 1
Gather information about your family and household income. List each household member's personal information such as the Social Security number, date of birth and citizenship status. Calculate your household's gross income, including unearned income. Keep verification documents such as Social Security cards and proof of income in a folder so you may provide this info when you apply for food benefits.
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Step 2
Calculate your monthly expenses. Add up all of your expenses, including household utilities and child care costs. Provide documentation such as recent utility bills and receipts for child care payments. Add this to the same folder as the other documents needed for the application process.
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Step 3
Use an online calculator to determine your eligibility. Most states provide approximately the same food stamp benefits, but state benefit amounts vary depending on the cost of living and minor adjustments to the program. You receive the amount appropriate for the cost of food and living in your area, so an online calculator is useful when determining your food stamp eligibility, no matter where you live (see Resources).
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Step 4
Fill out the application and send it in to the Department of Health and Human Services for your county. You can stop in at your local office or telephone your request for an application through the mail. Some states provide an application you can download online.
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Step 5
Attend the interview held by a caseworker in person or by phone. Interviews in person may be a requirement in your state, but a caseworker may grant a phone interview if you ask for a waiver. Qualifications for a waiver include those who are elderly or severely disabled.
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Step 6
Wait for response from a caseworker after review of your application. Online calculators are only estimates and do not give a final answer to your eligibility. Some applicants find that they are eligible for more food stamp benefits, while others find that they do not qualify. The application process includes verification the data provided on your application, but records may indicate otherwise.
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Step 7
Follow up on your benefit reward letter and comply with the terms and conditions. You must sign paperwork and get your food benefit card, used as a form of payment at grocery stores and other accepting merchants. This is similar to a debit card issued by banks, and it is only good for food items, unless you applied and found eligible for a cash assistance benefit along with your food stamp application.
