How do you get food stamps?
The SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps, helps millions of low income Americans put food on the table by supplementing their household grocery budget every month.
You get SNAP benefits by applying and qualifying in your state. Once you’re part of the program, the money will be deposited into your account every month, and your EBT card will be automatically loaded with your benefits for you to spend on SNAP-eligible groceries.
You can use an app like Propel to check your EBT balance and monitor your transactions right from your phone.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
How to apply for SNAP benefits#how-to-apply-for-snap-benefits
Because each state has its own food stamp program, you have to apply for SNAP in the state where you live.
Every state has its own process, so you’ll need to follow the instructions for your state when applying, but the steps are pretty similar in most states:
- Apply for SNAP through your state agency. You may be able to apply online, but you can also do this by visiting a local SNAP office, checking your state’s website, or calling a toll-free hotline. You may be required to provide documentation, like your driver’s license and recent pay stubs, in order to qualify for benefits.
- Interview with a SNAP eligibility worker. This is generally a short interview that lets the SNAP employee verify information from your application and answer any questions you may have. This also gives them an opportunity to let you know if you are missing any documents or need to provide additional information before you can get benefits.
What is the highest income limit for food stamps?#what-is-the-highest-income-limit-for-food-stamps
You must pass an income test to qualify for SNAP benefits. Make sure your monthly gross income—your total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been taken out—falls under your state's household size limit. Each state sets different income thresholds.
Remember that the actual number will depend on how big your household is. A household of three must have a maximum gross income of less than $51,648 a year in order to qualify, while a household of six people must have a maximum gross income of less than $83,928.
Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits for SNAP than other states. You can read more about how to apply for food stamps here.
How do you actually get the money from food stamps?#how-do-you-actually-get-the-money-from-food-stamps
Once you’ve applied and qualified for SNAP, the money will be sent directly to your account each month. You’ll get an EBT card in the mail after you sign up for SNAP, it works a lot like a debit card.
Your EBT card will be automatically loaded with your SNAP benefit amount (as well as any other benefits you get that use the same EBT system). Then, you just swipe it at checkout when you’re shopping for SNAP-eligible groceries.
Balance your grocery budget and get access to deals with Propel
It’s important to keep your EBT card safe. EBT theft is a known issue, and EBT information can be stolen even if you follow all the right steps, but it can still help to take security measures like:
- Changing your PIN every month before your deposit arrives
- Checking for illegal skimming devices before you swipe your card
- And using a safe app like Propel to monitor your EBT card balance and look out for suspicious transactions.
