Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

• What Is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program? 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and households via a monthly benefit on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a debit card, which can be used at authorized retailer stores to purchase food. SNAP is the largest Federal nutrition assistance program.

•  Who Administers SNAP?

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers SNAP at the Federal level. USDA also authorizes and monitors retailer stores that redeem SNAP benefits. States operate the Program at the local level, determining eligibility and issuing benefits to eligible households.

•  How Does SNAP Work?

 Households apply to SNAP by completing an application and providing information about their household finances and other circumstances.

 A face-to-face or phone interview is also required.

 If determined eligible by the local office, the household is issued an EBT card with a monthly allotment of benefits for the duration of their certification period—typically 3, 6, or 12 months—after which the household must be recertified to continue receiving benefits. 

• How to apply for food stamps (SNAP benefits) and check your balance

Known previously as "food stamps," the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you pay for food if you have a low income.

Each month, SNAP benefits are added to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to use when you shop for food.

• To be eligible for SNAP benefit

You must meet your state’s requirements, including income limits. States can also take other resources into account, like the money you have in your bank, to decide if you qualify for SNAP.

• To apply for SNAP

Contact your state or local SNAP office. Depending on your state, you may be able to apply online, in person, by mail, or by fax. You may need to be interviewed before being approved for SNAP benefits.

• Find your state SNAP office

1. Check your receipt from the store where you made a purchase using your SNAP benefits. Many stores will print your balance on your receipts.
2. Find out if your state offers a mobile app you can use to manage your benefits. Many allow you to check your balance.
3. Contact your state’s SNAP office.

• Who are the recipients of SNAP?
  

There are often misconceptions around the recipients of food stamps, but for a non-disabled person with no dependents to qualify for the program, they are required to work for an employer or participate in educational training activities for at least 80 hours a month. (If you have dependents, are enrolled in a drug treatment program, or other stipulations, the work requirement is less.) According to research by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, four out of five SNAP beneficiaries are either working—many of whom are in the military—or qualify as individuals who cannot be expected to work, such as children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Mezzancello says, “I vividly recall one of my professors in my Master’s program—in a school of public health—mentioning that many of us would be SNAP eligible as full-time students. I am sure I would've qualified at that point but think there was a stigma against applying.”

The USDA issues recipients an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card where benefits are automatically loaded into the account each month, and used only to buy approved items at authorized food stores and retailers. Recipients cannot purchase alcohol or cigarettes. They also cannot purchase hot food, prepared food, or vitamins.

Recipients cannot purchase alcohol or cigarettes. They also cannot purchase hot food, prepared food, or vitamins.

Locate your state's SNAP office

• Verify your SNAP balance

1. Review your receipt from the store where you used your SNAP benefits. Many stores display your balance on the receipt.
2. See if your state provides a mobile app for managing benefits. Several apps allow you to check your balance.
3. Reach out to your state's SNAP office.
4. Who qualifies for SNAP benefits?

There are common misconceptions regarding food stamp recipients, but for a non-disabled individual without dependents to be eligible for the program, they must work for an employer or engage in educational training activities for at least 80 hours per month. (If you have dependents, are enrolled.