Things You'll Need:
- rent receipts
- bank statements
- pay stubs
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Step 1
If you live in Marion County, go to 4720 Kingsway Dr., Ste. 125, Indianapolis, IN 46205 to apply for food stamps now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Phone number is (317) 202-6400. Go in person because no one will answer the phone. -
Step 2
DON'T get in the long line first, instead look for the Food Stamp application on a table in the office. Fill out the application and then go get in the line to talk with an employee at the office. Be sure to bring your drivers license because they will need to make a copy of it.
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Step 3
You will be told to have a seat. You will be waiting on someone to give you an appointment to either have a telephone interview or an appointment to come back to speak with a representative.
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Step 4
If you get a phone interview, be sure not to miss it. They will try and call one more time if you are not home. After that, they will not call you again and will send you a letter saying you missed your appointment. All this is going to do is frustrate you, so be there to receive your call when you have the appointment.
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Step 5
On the phone interview, they will ask you a series of questions. Where do you live, what do you make, what is your rent, do you have children? Answer the questions honestly because you will have to eventually show proof of these things.
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Step 6
Someone else will call you later to read you your rights and responsibilities for receiving food stamps.
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Step 7
You will receive papers in the mail informing you of any information that is needed in order to determine your food stamp eligibility. You will be asked for pay stubs, rent receipts, bank statements, etc...
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Step 8
Bring all your paper work that is requested back to the office before your deadline. I would not fax it or mail it in. It is best to hand deliver your information. You do not have to wait in the main line. There is another line you have to go to in order to turn in your paper work. It is on the right side as soon as you walk into the room. They will make copies of any paperwork that you have to turn in so don't stress if you were not able to have copies made. You will then fill out an envelope with your name and your caseworkers name. You will then seal the envelope and give it to the person behind the table. It will be delivered to your caseworker later that day. You are now free to go home.
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Step 9
You will receive something in the mail before 30 days notifying you if you are entitled or not entitled to food stamps.
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Step 10
If your case is deemed an emergency, you may qualify for expedited service. What this does is get you your food stamp card quicker. It could take up to 7 days for you to receive your food stamp card.
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Step 11
The Hoosier Works EBT cardIf you are approved to receive food stamps, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. You will also be told how much you will receive each month and for how long you will receive assistance.
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Step 12
When you receive your food stamp card, the money will already be on it. Your food stamp card will look like a credit card. You have to call a toll free number and set up your pin number before you can begin using the card.
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Step 13
Go shopping and get some food for yourself or your family. Be sure to spend wisely because that is all the money you will receive until next month. You can shop at Aldi's and Walmart to save money and don't forget to use coupons. Target also accepts the Food Stamp EBT card as well as the Dollar Stores.
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Step 14
Be sure to follow the rules they give you so you will not lose your food stamp benefits.
Comments
jull14 said
on 6/23/2009 A very interesting article. Thank you for sharing this information it was very helpful.