How to apply for Food Stamps

Food Stamp Application Process

In order to become eligible to receive food stamps, you will need to fill out an application for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAPS application. You can obtain a copy of the food stamps application from any Social Security office, or you can search for an online application on your state of local government website.

Some states allow you to apply for food stamps online, or you can print out the application and turn in the completed form to your Social Security office. The Social Security office will help you fill out the food stamp application and send it to the food stamp office for you.

The application for food stamps contains a number of questions related to your identity, household information and income. You’ll need to complete the food stamps application in its entirety to be considered for food stamps.

A typical foods stamps application will require you to supply the following information:

- Name, address and phone number
- Date of birth, Social Security number
- Gender, ethnicity, marital status, citizenship
- Monthly household income
- Monthly household expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities and phone
- Information on others in household
- Household employer information
- Non-employment income sources
- Expenses for child/dependent support and medical services
- Household resources such as bank accounts, CDs, Mutual Funds and cash
- Children info if you need assistance for children

You may also be required to submit supporting documentation and come to a face-to-face interview. Once the food stamp office receives your application, it can take anywhere from four days to several weeks to process your food stamps application.

Processing time is faster for ultra-low income individuals who desperately need food assistance. Once you are approved to receive food stamps, you will be mailed an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card to purchase food from qualifying food establishments.