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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally-funded benefit program formerly known as "food stamps."
The benefits you'll get from SNAP are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a credit or debit card.
How to Get Food Benefits
Eligibility. To determine if you are eligible, gather information showing your income, rent or mortgage, utility bills, child support, daycare expenses, medical bills, Supplement Security Income (SSI), and Social Security or VA payments. You will need this information as part of the process qualifying for your state's food benefit program.
Application. Find the online application for your state. You'll find local office addresses and phone numbers in the same place. You can also apply in person at a state or local office.
Receive your card. If your state determines that you qualify for food benefits, they will send you an EBT card.
Manage your benefits. Access food benefits at your local authorized SNAP retailers. You can use the card at a cash register like a credit or debit card to pay for food.
Purchase food items.You can use the card to purchase eligible food items at local retailers like grocery stores and at some farmer's markets.
If you're a retailer or work with a farmers market, you can apply online or call the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369 to become authorized to accept SNAP.
Report SNAP Food Benefits Fraud
If you suspect an individual or a retailer is committing SNAP fraud, you can report it to your state online or by phone.
If you need food immediately, call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479, find a local food bank, or contact local community or religious organizations.
Learn About the WIC Program for Women and Infants
This short-term program can help you get healthy food for yourself and your young children:
Eligibility: Before using the pre-screening eligibility tool, gather the amounts of your household’s earned, and unearned income including child support, unemployment benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions who do not participate in other federal meal service programs.
Eligibility: Your children may be eligible to receive free or reduced price lunch, breakfast, or milk if your household receives unemployment benefits, SNAP or TANF, or has an income that is just above or is below the poverty level.
Some states offer food programs for low-income seniors:
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offers coupons to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs in farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community programs that grow fruits and vegetables.
Eligibility: Low-income seniors (age 60 and older) who live in an area that offer SFMNP may apply.
How to apply: Contact your state SFMNP office. If you get SNAP or Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), contact your local office.
If you need to file a complaint concerning your food stamps or attempt to get food stamps, the following resources can help.
Report a Complaint about SNAP Benefits
If you feel the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits you receive are incorrect, contact your local field office by phone, mail, or in person to request a hearing. An impartial official (this person cannot be the caseworker or the caseworker's immediate supervisor) conducts the hearing and determines whether the caseworker handled the situation properly.
File a Complaint about a Caseworker or Office
If you feel that your caseworker is not properly handling your food stamp case, you can ask to speak with his/her supervisor and file a complaint if necessary. Each office has procedures for handling complaints.
Complain about a SNAP Retailer
To file a complaint against a SNAP retailer, you may:
Call the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 1-800-424-9121.
If you suspect your SNAP application was declined because of age, sex, color, race, disability, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs, please write to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Civil Rights Division 3101 Park Center Dr., Room 942 Alexandria VA 22302