How to Register for Food Stamps
The United States food stamp program is now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. It is a federal government program that is run by state or local agencies to help people who have financial need to buy food. Recipients are given an account and a plastic card that looks like a credit or debit card, called an EBT card. Money is put into the account by the program every month and the individual uses his EBT card to purchase groceries. There are a few steps involved in applying for the program.
Instructions
Verify your household resources, such as cash, bank accounts and other property. The total value of the resources cannot exceed $2,000 or $3,000 if the household includes an individual over the age of 60 or someone who is disabled. If you own your house and/or the land it is on, this does not count as a resource. Vehicles may or may not count, depending upon its function for the family.
Determine your household income, as there are limits on total household income in order to qualify for the program. In addition, note that anyone can apply for the program but must provide proof of need and all individuals in a household must have or apply for a Social Security card, be a U.S. citizen or national or hold status as a qualified alien.
Use the online pre-screening eligibility tool (see Resources) to determine if you are eligible for the program. You will use the information you collected in Steps 1 and 2.
If you determine that you are eligible, schedule an interview at your local SNAP office (see Resources for a location finder). You must interview to be approved for the program. Bring with you your personal identification card such as a driver's license, state ID or alien card, proof of income such as pay stubs or Social Security payment information, proof of how much (if any) you spend on child care, proof of rent or mortgage, utility bills and medical bills for anyone in the household receiving disability or Social Security payments.