The Food Stamp Program is funded by the Food and Nutrition Services of the United States Department of Agriculture. Each state administers its own program but the eligibility rules are Federally mandated. How you apply for food stamp benefits will vary, some, from state to state but the general guidelines and requirements are the same. Generally speaking, it's fairly painless for an eligible individual or family to apply, qualify and receive food stamp benefits but there are a few things to consider.
1. Visit the USDA FNS website, before applying in person, learn of the program and your possible eligiblity. Have some idea of your standing before you make the trip. Note: Living in a disaster area may also qualify you for one or more of the programs.
2. Locate your the closest Eligibility Services office in your state. Call them to make an appointment. While on the phone, learn what documentation is required to prevent multiple trips. Locate your state's hotline phone number at FNS Contact Information website.
3. Gather your latest utility and rent bills, income statement (if any), and Social Security card. Call again to ensure you have everything.
4. One of many requirements is a statement that you buy and prepare food separately. If you live with a roommate, whether or not they are also applying for assistance. This can be also true of relationships where the couple is not married or a mother and a grown child. Please see your state requirements for exact wording. This can help your total amount of benefits.
5. Be prepared to spend much of the day in the office. There will be several forms (be legible and neat) and interviews. Take some bottled water and snacks. If with a child, be bring all necessary childcare items: formula or food, diapers, a quiet toy or two, etc.
6. Expect finger imaging. Many states now use finger imaging to help prevent identity theft and other types of fraud. This information is confidential, used only if fraud is indicated. Typically this is done with a scanner (it's not messy).
7. Don't put yourself down for applying. Bad things happen to good people, and this program exists because it is desperately needed. Just because you need help right now is not a reason to be ashamed. You probably don't need that stressful emotion in your life right now.
8. Protect your card once approved. (The FS card resembles a credit card.) If your card is lost or stolen it is hard to replace.
Tips
• Locate the telephone number for your state here: State Hotline Numbers.
• FNS also funds a program called WIC (Women, Infants and Children). This program provides benefits to pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children age five and under. Eligibility is never guaranteed.
• The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds a program through the states called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). TANF provides money and other types of assistance to qualifying families. Visit the OFA website for more information.
• It is possible – common, in fact – for families to receive all three types of benefits.
• Plan your shopping list; many items cannot be purchased with FS benefits. Ensure your shopping cart doesn't contain any of the proscribed articles.
• Many supermarkets require you present your FNS or WIC information before your items are scanned. Provide the cashier with your information first.
• The Food Stamp Program has been renamed SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program).
• Remember, nothing is free. This funding comes from taxpayers. While you may need FS initially, ask yourself: "Do I need to stay on this forever considering my capabilities?"
• Report welfare fraud to your District Attorney General.
Warnings
• States vigorously prosecute benefits fraud. Hiding income, exaggerating expenses or any other attempt to defraud FNS on your application will very likely land you in prison.
• Your social security card may not be accepted if you've laminated or changed it in anyway.
• Any overpayment is subject to repayment. Notify your case worker of any changes to income or family structure to avoid such.
Things You'll Need
• Utility Bills (if any)
• Income Statements (if any)
• Rent Statement (if you have one)
• Bank Statement (if you have one)
• Social Security Card (exceptions may apply)
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