How to Apply for Emergency Food Stamps
Food stamps provide families with the sustenance they need to survive, especially in times of financial crises. Whether from the loss of a job or a sudden emergency, the need for food stamps is decided by your local food stamp office. At times a person's family will qualify for emergency food stamps, which means they receive food benefits in a matter of days. This particular service depends upon meeting certain criteria.
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Things You'll Need
- Proof of income, or lack thereof
- Utility bills
- Proof of other major expenses, such as childcare
- Social Security cards of all people living in your home
- Your driver's license or other state or federal identification
- Folder
Instructions
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1
Organize all of your income, utility and expense records. Include your identification and all social Security cards; place everything safely into a folder.
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2
Locate your local food stamp office. This information can be found in the local government listings of your phone book or contacting your local Health Department.
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3
Go to the food stamp office. Check in with the receptionist there and tell him that you are applying for food stamps. He will give you several forms.
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Fill out the forms given to you by the receptionist. These forms will ask you for the names, relationship to you, age, occupation and Social Security Numbers of your family members. They will also ask about your income and assets. Complete the forms entirely and be truthful.
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Give the forms back to the receptionist once completed. She will ensure you have filled out all portions correctly and signed all appropriate places. The receptionist will now assign you a case worker. She will ask you to have a seat and wait to meet with your worker.
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Greet your case worker once you are called into his office. The worker will go over your documents, ask your for identification or bills as needed. Your case worker will ask you several questions about your financial situation, the assets you own and many other deciding factors. The worker will make a preliminary decision at this point and decide if you will qualify for food assistance. An automatic system usually makes the final decision.
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Sign all forms your case worker provides you with. If you qualify for emergency food stamps, your worker will tell you the amount of benefits you qualify for and how quickly you can expect to receive your EBT debit card in the mail. This time frame varies but is generally about one week.
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Tips & Warnings
You may qualify for emergency food stamps if your income is less than your expected utility and rent or mortgage bills. Your income must be either nonexistent or so little that it will not be enough to help your family. This amount is usually under $200 per month. You must also have very few assets and savings.
Emergency food assistance is usually given to people with children and who suddenly lost their income.
References
- Photo Credit veggie stand image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
