How to apply for food stamps in 6 steps

Each state manages their own food stamps program, but the basic application steps are similar. Here's what you need to know about applying for SNAP (also called food stamps).

1. Determine your household size

Your household includes people you buy and prepare food with. This usually means:

• People you live with and share meals with
• Your spouse
• Children under 22 living with parents
• Children under 18 under an adult's care
• Live-in attendants for people over age 60 or with disabilities

Living with roommates? If you buy and cook food separately, you can apply for SNAP on your own.

In general, if you’re not sure who to put on your application, it’s best to include everyone you think might be in your household and consult the eligibility worker during your SNAP interview.

2. Calculate your household’s total monthly income

Income, meaning how much money you get each month, is one of the most important factors for SNAP eligibility. Here’s what matters when you apply:

• Your income from the last 30 days
• Income you expect to get going forward

In most states, your assets (which include any savings, retirement accounts, or property) don't affect food stamp eligibility. Only 13 states consider assets when it comes to SNAP eligibility.

Most states also do not count vehicles when determining if you qualify for SNAP benefits. Even in states that do consider vehicles, your car typically won’t count if:

• You use it to earn income (like for delivery work)
• You need it for work travel beyond daily commuting
• You use it to transport a disabled household member
• It's worth less than $4,650
• It's your only vehicle

Owning a home won't affect your food stamp eligibility either, at least on its own. If you rent out rooms, that rental income counts toward your monthly income and may impact your benefits. What matters most for calculating your household income is the money you regularly bring in.

How does SNAP define income?

Your income is defined in two ways for SNAP eligibility: “gross income” and “net income.”

Gross income is money you get before taxes. To pass this test, your monthly gross income must be under the limit for your household size. These limits are different in each state. There are also different income rules for gig workers ( like drivers DoorDash or Uber), college students, seniors, people with disabilities, and households with mixed immigration statuses.

Maximum monthly gross income limit by household size:

• 1 person: $2,510
• 2 people: $3,408
• 3 people: $4,304
• 4 people: $5,200
• 5 people: $6,098
• 6 people: $6,994
• 7 people: $7,890
• 8 people: $8,788

Your gross income includes:

• Work pay before taxes
• Self-employment earnings
• Child support received
• Unemployment benefits

While net income usually means take-home pay after taxes, SNAP calculates it differently. Your net income for SNAP is your gross income minus deductions for certain living expenses.

You can deduct these expenses:

• Rent, mortgage, or other housing costs
• Childcare costs
• Medical expenses (for seniors and people with disabilities)

3. Gather your documents

Some states will require more documents than others to verify your household information. At minimum, you'll need proof of:

• Identity (like a driver’s license or birth certificate)
• Social Security Number or card
• Proof of income (like pay stubs or tax returns)
• Address
• Living expenses
• Immigration status (if applicable)

Keep copies of everything you submit. Take photos of what you send and when you sent them.

4. Submit your application

The fastest way to apply for SNAP is through your state's benefits website. You can also apply:

• In person at your local office
• By mail
• By phone

Need help in another language? Ask your SNAP office or a local legal aid or community services organization for free interpreter services and application assistance.

Once you submit the application form, the SNAP agency will compare your application details against state databases and review any documents you provided.

Under certain circumstances, like if your income is below a certain amount you may be able to get food stamps in seven days or less through emergency (expedited) processing.

5. Complete a SNAP phone interview with an eligibility worker

After applying, you'll have a phone interview. Interviews are required for all SNAP applicants. Most states default to doing interviews on the phone, but you can always request to do an in-person interview. On the call, the eligibility worker will:

• Review your SNAP application
• Clarify anything that’s unclear on your application about your income, health, or housing situation
• Tell you what other documents they need

Don't worry—it's not a test. Some interviews can take as little as five minutes, while others may be 30 minutes or more.

Most states schedule an interview time for you, but 16 states interview "on-demand," meaning you have to call the office. In some states, it can be hard to get your interview scheduled, but we have tips that can help.

6. Submit any missing documents

Can't get a document they asked for in your SNAP interview? Eligibility workers can:

• Help you get the documents
• Accept statements from others who can verify your information
• Take your signed statement instead (in some cases)

In some special cases, SNAP agencies can require specific documents, including immigration documents from non-citizens. If you need help getting these documents, ask an immigration lawyer or your local legal aid organization for help.

How long does it take to start getting benefits?

If you’re eligible for SNAP benefits, states are required to approve your application within 30 days (or seven if you qualify for emergency processing). That means you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail, loaded with your benefits and ready for use, within 30 days of submitting your application.

After setting a PIN, you’ll be able to use your new EBT card just like any other debit card at grocery stores that accept EBT— even in different states (though if you move to a different state, you have to close your account and reapply in your new state). Remember that SNAP benefits can only be used on SNAP-eligible items, like milk, eggs, meat, and snacks.

You’ll get your benefits every month on the same day. Your remaining balance at the end of each month will roll over to the next. You can stay on top of your balance and secure your card using an app like Propel.

Know your rights as a SNAP applicant

Help is available if you’re having trouble submitting your SNAP application. You have these legal rights when applying for food stamps:

• Right to assistance: You can get free help from family or friends, community organizations or advocacy groups, legal aid groups, or SNAP office employees. Usually, you or your representative must sign and submit your application. In some states, eligibility navigators can submit for you with your signed or verbal consent.
• Right to choose a representative: You can designate someone to help you apply, help you interview, and help use your EBT card once you get it.
• Right to language access: You must be able to access forms and materials in your language.
• Right to accommodations for disabilities: You must be able to request disability accommodations.
• Right to apply without discrimination: Discrimination based on gender, race, age, religion, or other protected status is illegal. To report discrimination in the application process, call (202) 720-5964.