How to Add a Spouse to Food Stamps

Adding your spouse to your food stamp case is a requirement so you'll not be penalized by your state government for having an unreported household change. The process is easy but will vary, depending on where you live. In most areas, any household change must be reported within 10 days. Adding a spouse to your food stamp case will change the amount of the benefit you receive, depending on your spouse's income or lack of income.

Things You'll Need

• Food stamp case change request form
• Marriage license
• Drivers licenses
• Social Security cards
• Proof of income

Instructions

1. Fill out your state's household change request form. This may just be a sheet of paper where you simply state that you are now married, how many people now reside in your home and the amount of the household's new income.

2. Gather your new spouse's proof of income. The past two paycheck stubs should be sufficient. If your spouse is self-employed, you will need to gather the last three months' income and expenses to report on a separate form.

3. Provide copies of your marriage license, drivers licenses and Social Security cards to the food stamp office. If you are thinking of mailing your information to the office, it is best to wait until these items are requested of you and then to take them into the office.

4. Report to the food stamp office for fingerprinting and to have your spouse's photograph taken and placed in your file. You may have a meeting with your caseworker scheduled to discuss any changes to your case.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you receive a receipt from the receptionist at the food stamp office when you turn in paperwork.

• Do not wait beyond your time limit for reporting a change. If you delay, you risk prosecution for food stamp fraud.