Where to start: your state's food stamp office

You contact your state's food stamp program directly — usually through your county or city social services office, sometimes called the Department of Human Services, Department of Social Services, or similar. The name and location vary by state, but your state's website will list the office nearest you and the phone number to call.

You can also reach most state programs through 211, a free helpline you can call or text from anywhere in the US. They will tell you which office serves your area and whether that office is currently taking new requests. Some offices have wait lists; 211 will know if yours does.

A few states now let you start the process online through your state's benefits portal, but most still require you to visit in person or call first. Even in states with online portals, you will usually need to provide documents in person or by mail before a decision is made.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your county or city social services office — not a federal office — to begin the process, or call 211 for the location and phone number.
  • You will need to show proof of income, residency, and identity; the exact documents depend on your situation and your state's rules.
  • Most states decide within 30 days of receiving all your documents, though some take longer if they need to verify information with your employer or bank.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to a hearing where you can present your case to someone other than the caseworker who made the first decision.
  • Your benefits are loaded onto a card each month, and you can use it at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.

What documents you need to bring or mail

The exact list depends on your state and your situation, but most programs ask for proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of where you live (a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement), and proof of income (recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or tax returns if you are self-employed). If you receive unemployment, Social Security, or other benefits, bring those statements too.

If you have no income, bring documentation of that — a letter from an employer saying you were laid off, or a statement from your bank showing no deposits for the past month. If you are homeless or have no fixed address, most states have a process for that too; call your local office to ask what they need.

Bring originals or certified copies if you have them. Photocopies are usually fine, but some states want to see the original to verify it is real. Ask when you call whether you should mail documents or bring them in person.

How long the process takes and what happens next

Most states have 30 days to make a decision from the day they receive all your documents. Some states are faster; a few take longer if they need to contact your employer or bank to verify what you told them. A few states have an expedited process for people in crisis — you may get benefits within 7 days if you meet certain conditions, though the amount may be smaller.

Once you are approved, your benefits are loaded onto a card (sometimes called an EBT card or SNAP card) each month. The card works like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. You cannot use it for alcohol, tobacco, hot food, or restaurant meals. The amount you receive each month depends on your income, household size, and your state's rules.

Your benefits are usually good for one year, after which you will need to renew. Your caseworker will tell you when to renew and what documents to bring. If your income or household changes during the year, you should report it to your caseworker right away, because it may change your benefit amount.

What counts as income and what does not

Most programs count wages from a job, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, pensions, and child support as income. Some programs also count money from roommates or family members living in your household. The rules vary by state, so ask your caseworker whether a specific source of money counts.

Most programs do not count certain things: the first $20 of income you earn each month, money from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, money from certain disability programs, and money from some emergency assistance programs. Some states have other exclusions. Your caseworker can tell you which sources of money your state counts and which it does not.

If you are denied or your benefits are cut

If your request is denied, the letter you receive will explain why and will tell you how to ask for a hearing. A hearing means you can present your case to someone other than the caseworker who made the first decision. You have the right to bring documents, witnesses, or a representative (a lawyer, advocate, or family member) to the hearing.

If your benefits are cut or stopped while you are already receiving them, the same right to a hearing applies. You can ask for a hearing even if you think the cut was a mistake. Many people win their hearings because they bring documents the caseworker did not see the first time, or because they explain their situation more clearly in person.

The hearing process is free. You do not need a lawyer, though some legal aid organizations will represent you for free if you cannot pay. Ask your caseworker or call 211 to find a legal aid office in your area.

How your household size and income affect your benefit amount

The amount you receive each month is based on two things: how many people live in your household and how much income your household has. The more people in your household, the more you receive. The more income you have, the less you receive. Each state sets its own income limits and benefit amounts, so the number you get in one state may be different in another.

Your household includes everyone who buys and cooks food together — usually your spouse and children, but sometimes roommates or other relatives. It does not include people who buy and cook separately, even if they live in the same house. Tell your caseworker who buys and cooks food with you so they can count the right number of people.

If your income changes — you get a raise, lose a job, or start receiving a benefit — tell your caseworker right away. Your benefit amount will be recalculated, and you may receive more or less the next month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get food stamps if I am working?

Yes. Many people who work part-time or earn low wages still meet your state's income limit. Your caseworker will compare your household income to the limit for your household size. If you are under the limit, you may receive benefits even if you work.

What if I do not have a fixed address?

Most states have a process for people without a permanent address. You may be able to use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mailing address where you can receive mail. Call your local office and tell them you are homeless; they will explain what address you can use on your request.

Can I use my benefits at farmers markets?

Many farmers markets accept food stamp cards, but not all. Ask the farmers market manager whether they take EBT cards. Some markets also have programs that match your benefits — you spend $5 and get $10 in produce — so it is worth asking.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Your benefits do not transfer automatically. You will need to request benefits in your new state. Your new state's office will tell you what documents to bring. Some states let you keep your old state's benefits for a short time while your new request is being decided; ask your new caseworker.

Can I get benefits if I have a criminal record?

Most people with criminal records can get food stamps. A few states have restrictions for certain drug-related convictions, but the rules vary widely. Call your local office and ask; they can tell you whether your record affects your request.