How do I apply for Food Stamps?
You must file an application in the county where you live. You may call
or write the local Food Assistance Office and an application will be
sent to you or come into the office and get an application and complete
it while you are there. You may also print an application from this
website, Food Assistance Division, complete it, fax, mail, or take the
signed application to your county Food Assistance Office for processing.
Once you have filed the application, you will be given or mailed an
appointment for an interview with a worker.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do I need to bring to the interview?
Examples of information we need for all household members include proof
of income, current proof of rent or mortgage expenses, proof of child
care expenses, social security numbers for everyone in the household,
and proof of obligated child support payments paid to someone outside
the household.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How long does it take to process my application?
The county department has up to 30 days from the date you turn in your
application to notify you of a decision about your eligibility for food
assistance. In some cases, if you have little or no income and resources,
you may be entitled to expedited service and then a decision is made in
7 days from the date you turn in your application. You will be told when
a decision will be made on your application when you are interviewed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How do I use food assistance to buy food?
Food assistance benefits are put into an EBT (Electronic Benefit
Transfer) account for you each month. You will receive an EBT card to
use like a credit card at the grocery store.