Tips for submitting documents for SNAP

When applying for or renewing SNAP, you almost always need to submit some documents.

Here are a number of tips to help make sure things go smoothly when submitting SNAP verification documents:

• The most common documents needed are related to income, as that's the most important part of eligibility rules. Submitting proof of income is usually the most important document, and missing income proof is one of the most common reasons people get denied.
• Submit documents as soon as you can. Delays due to mail delivery or the time it takes your agency to process them could affect your case.
• Most states have several ways to get documents to your eligibility worker:
  • 1. Online portals: If your state has an online benefits portal, you can upload scanned documents or pictures from your phone.
  • 2. Email inbox: Some states also allow documents to be emailed to a central inbox. Tip: Keep screen shots of anything you submit electronically in case something gets lost.
  • 3. Office dropoff: You can also drop off copies of your documents at your local office. Tip: ask for a “receipt” so you have proof of what you dropped off.
• If you need to mail documents to the SNAP office, be sure to send copies, not originals. Most agencies do not return the documents to you.

Important: ONLY send copies of vital documents like birth certificates or social security cards, or other vital documents. A photocopy or picture is more than fine, and these documents would be extra hard to replace.

• Keep a record (like a note in your phone) of which documents you sent and when you sent them, in case something gets lost.
• It can take a few days — sometimes even longer — for the documents you submit to get processed by the SNAP agency. If there is a delay, you might get a letter saying your documents are still missing, even after you sent them in.
• If it has been more than a week (or you are getting close to your application or renewal deadline) — call your SNAP office and tell them when and how you submitted documents. If they still can’t find the documents you submitted, ask how you can submit your proof that the documents were sent on time.
• If you get a denial notice saying documents are missing that you turned in, consider filing an appeal (also known as a fair hearing). You will get a chance to show proof you sent in the documents, and may get the denial reversed. It also may not need to go to hearing, as an appeal may get the agency to look in your case file and see you did submit the documents. You can also contact your local legal aid organization to help with the appeals process.