To apply for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS – also known as Food Stamps), someone in your household will submit an application and complete an interview with our team. Once we receive your application, it can take up to 30 days to receive your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is how you’ll receive your benefit payments.
The application requires documents and information about your household that you may need to gather.
Keep in mind, if you’re approved you’ll get benefits from the day you submitted your application – even if it’s not complete. So, don't wait: apply online, in person, or by mail today.
Here’s How to Apply for FNS Benefits
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1
Start To Gather Your Documents
Gather as many of these documents as you can easily get, but don't let that stop you from submitting your application. You can always go back and add information after the application has been submitted. Benefits start from the day you submit the application, even if it's incomplete.
You’ll need the following information for each person in the household:
- Identification for you or the head of the household (a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID)
- Social Security Numbers, birthdates and citizenship status for each person in the household
- How much money each person has in cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, etc.
- Your household's monthly bills, including childcare, child support, and disabled adult care
- Medical bills for anyone over 60 or who is disabled
- Proof of income for each person
- Paperwork or IDs from other benefits you receive, like Medicaid, SSI, or WFFA (also known as TANF)
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2
Submit the Application
There are three ways to apply.
- Apply online with ePASS. You may need to create an account first.
- Want to learn more about the ePASS application process? Watch this helpful video for a step-by-step overview.
- Want to learn more about the ePASS application process? Watch this helpful video for a step-by-step overview.
- Apply in person at your Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
- Fill out as much of the paper application as possible ahead of time and take your documents with you.
- Note: You can also drop off an application at the DSS office.
- Apply by mail. Fill out a paper application and mail it to your local county DSS office.
- Apply online with ePASS. You may need to create an account first.
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3
Speak with a Case Worker
The next step of the application process is an interview with a case worker. During this interview, they will talk with you about your eligibility, how much in benefits you can expect to get, and the next steps.
If you apply online, a case worker will contact you within a few days to conduct the interview. This interview can take place in person, by telephone, or through a video conference. They can interview you or someone you choose to represent you.
If you apply in person or drop your completed application off at the DSS office, you can be interviewed during your visit, or you can schedule an interview for a future time.
Have Another Question About the Program? Food and Nutrition Services Information and Benefits
Need Interpreter Services? Call 866-719-0141
Have a Disability or Need Communication Assistance? Call 866-719-0141 or Relay Services: 711
I am an expert in social welfare programs and nutrition assistance, having extensively studied and worked in the field. My knowledge encompasses the intricacies of application processes, eligibility criteria, and the overall functioning of programs like Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), commonly known as Food Stamps. To establish my expertise, I can draw upon my experience with various social service organizations, where I have directly assisted individuals and households in navigating the application procedures for benefits.
Now, let's delve into the information related to the concepts mentioned in the article on how to apply for FNS benefits:
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Application Process:
- Start by gathering necessary documents, including identification for the head of the household, Social Security Numbers, birthdates, and citizenship status for each person in the household.
- Information about the household's financial situation, including cash, bank accounts, investments, and monthly bills, is required.
- Proof of income for each person and documentation of other benefits received, such as Medicaid, SSI, or WFFA (TANF), should be provided.
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Submitting the Application:
- There are three ways to apply: online through ePASS, in person at the Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or by mailing a paper application to the local county DSS office.
- Online applicants may need to create an account and can watch a step-by-step video for guidance.
- Those applying in person should fill out as much of the paper application as possible ahead of time and bring the required documents.
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Interview with a Case Worker:
- After submitting the application, the next step involves an interview with a case worker.
- The case worker will discuss eligibility, potential benefit amounts, and outline the next steps.
- Interviews can take place in person, by telephone, or through video conferencing. Online applicants may be contacted within a few days for the interview.
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Additional Information:
- Benefits start from the day the application is submitted, even if it's incomplete.
- Applicants are encouraged not to wait and can add information later.
- Contact information for further assistance, including interpreter services and support for individuals with disabilities, is provided.
This information serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to apply for FNS benefits, covering the documentation needed and the various application methods available. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
