How to Apply for the SNAP Food Stamp Program

SNAP helps families put food on the table.

The United States Federal Food Stamp Program has been helping low-income individuals and families purchase food for over 40 years. Today, this program is known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and it assists millions of people every month. Applying to the SNAP food stamp program is done on a state or local level and requires certain eligibility requirements.

Things You'll Need

• Unemployment documentation (If unemployed)
• Payroll stubs (If employed)
• Social security numbers

Instructions

1. Determine if you are eligible for the program. Eligibility is based on a number of factors, including household income and assets. The simplest way to do this is to use the SNAP Pre-Screening Eligibility Tool on the USDA's website. The tool will guide you through a series of questions to determine if you are eligible to apply for the SNAP program.

2. If you qualify for the program, determine how to apply. The application process is done primarily on a state level. Some states permit online applications, and you'll find links to these on the USDA's website. If your state currently does not allow online applications, you will have to contact the local SNAP office and either apply in person or have them mail you an application form.

3. Prepare all documentation and paperwork regarding employment, unemployment, proof of resources (such as savings accounts), income tax returns, and social security numbers for all members of your household. Your local SNAP office will set up an appointment to go over all of this information, and all assets must be documented. After the interview process, you will receive an electronic EBT card to make your grocery purchases.

Tips & Warnings

• The program used to supply users with multicolored stamps in order to make purchases. These are no longer accepted, make sure you receive an electronic EBT card.

References

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: A Short History of SNAP
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Pre-Screening Eligibility Tool
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: To Apply...