How to Apply for Food Stamps in Miami, Florida

Those seeking government assistant can apply for it online in Florida.

At times, families may need to rely on government assistance programs to help support them through financial hardships. The Florida state application is readily available to fill out with an Internet connection which, if not available at home, can be easily accessed at a local library. Calling the Access Florida Information Line at [phone] is an option to get information or the forms to fill out for those without Internet access.

Instructions

1. Gather preliminary information for all household members. Include Social Security numbers, income and asset information, proof of identity (driver's license, passport or state I.D. card), utility bills, child support payments and health insurance information. Eligibility requirements include gross income not in excess of 130 percent of federal poverty levels or net income not in excess of 100 percent of federal poverty levels. An additional eligibility requirement is that individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 who are not pregnant or have dependent children may only receive food stamps for a three-month period within three years' time if they do not work.

2. Log onto the Access Florida website and click on the "Apply Online for Food Stamps, Cash Assistance and Medicaid" option under the "Apply for Benefits" tab or, optionally, call the Access Florida Information Line to request the necessary forms.

3. Fill out the online application as completely as possible following the directions provided online. Be honest as fraudulent information can result in rejection of the application and a possible fine. Once the application is received, a phone interview may be set up to obtain further information from the applicant.

4. Submit the application. Save the confirmation email which gives access information necessary to check on the application's approval status. A letter will also be sent to the applicant when the application has been approved or denied. Applicants can call the information line for further questions about approval, denial or the appeals process for any assistance applications submitted.

Tips & Warnings

• The application does not need to be filled out in its entirety at one time. Using the access code provided allows the applicant to return to the application and finish it at a later time.

• Access Florida also has a prescreening area to determine eligibility for food stamps or other assistance by answering a few questions before filling out the full application.

References

• Florida Department of Children and Families: Access Florida Food, Medical Assistance and Cash