How to File for Welfare Benefits
Low-income families can receive assistance with purchasing food, paying medical bills and other expenses through welfare benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a federally funded program that provides monthly assistance to families to help purchase nutritious foods. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, provides cash assistance that can be used to pay utility bills, rent or other expenses. Medicaid provides assistance with paying hospital bills, prescriptions and doctors visits. Depending on your state, you can apply for benefits at your local welfare office.
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Instructions
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Download and print an application for welfare benefits from your state's welfare office. Depending on your state, the program may be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Locate your local welfare office by using the U.S. Department of Agriculture's office locator online tool (see Resources).
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Complete the application for benefits. Select which programs for which you would like to apply. If you need food assistance, select "SNAP" or "Food Stamps." Select "Medicaid" or "Children's Health Insurance" for medical assistance. If you need cash assistance, select "TANF" or "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families." Do not skip any section of the application. If you need assistance with any portion of the application, contact your local welfare office.
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Gather personal documents and proof of income for every member of your household. You need to provide picture identification or birth certificates, Social Security numbers and proof of residency for each member. You also need to provide proof of income for every member who is working or receiving income. Proof of income can include paycheck stubs, W-2 forms and the previous year's income tax return.
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Submit your application to the local welfare office. Take your personal documents and proof of income with you. You may be interviewed to determine your eligibility to receive benefits when your application is submitted. If not, an appointment letter will be mailed to you.
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Attend the eligibility appointment at the scheduled time and date. Take your documents with you if copies of the papers were not made when you submitted your application.
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Wait for a determination letter from the welfare office. If you are approved, the date you should start receiving benefits will be listed in the letter.
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Tips & Warnings
States such as California, Texas and Louisiana allow low-income families to apply for welfare benefits online. Determine whether your state allows online application by using the application tool provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
If your family's income is below a certain amount each month, you may qualify for expedited services. Ask your caseworker for more information to determine if you qualify.
