* Applying for Food Stamps

Food stamp benefits allow you to purchase food at local retailers and some farmers markets.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the official name of the Federal Food Stamp Program. State programs may have different names and you will receive benefits from the state in which you live.

How to Get Food Stamp Benefits

1. Use the food stamp pre-screening eligibility tool to check your eligibility and how much you can receive. This calculator is not an application for food stamps.
2. Gather your income and asset information.
3. Apply for benefits at your local food stamp office by filling out an application in person or online in some states. Each state has a different application and state SNAP information/hotline number.
4. Wait to learn if you are eligible for benefits. If your state determines you're eligible, they will send you an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
5. Use your EBT card to access food stamps and/or cash benefits at your local authorized SNAP retailers. You can use the card at a cash register like a credit or debit card to pay for food.

The EBT system replaced paper food stamps and makes issuing food stamp and cash benefits fast, easy, and discreet by using electronic transactions. Many states have EBT websites set up for their benefits. If your state is not listed and you need further information, contact your state SNAP or local office.

Learn How to Accept SNAP Benefits at your Store or Market with the Online Retailer Application.

Report SNAP Fraud -- Contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Inspector General's Hotline at 1.800.424.9121, or contact your state SNAP hotline number to report suspected fraud or abuse of the program.

Contact the SNAP program
You may contact the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) office by phone or mail at:

Phone: 1.800.221.5689
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
3101 Park Center Dr.
Alexandria VA 22302

Additional contact information is available.

Need More Information? Try These Additional Resources:

• Complaints: Food Stamps
• Welfare or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• ChooseMyPlate.gov - Plan Your Food Choices
• Let'sMove.gov
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The short link for this FAQ is http://1.usa.gov/pl8LUB