The food stamp program, also known now as SNAP, is a program sponsored by the government to help low income families get healthy food. Healthy food is usually more expensive than processed food which makes it prohibitive to low income people.
The food stamp program is now done through an account along with an EBT card. You would use the account like your checking account. When you buy food you would just swipe your EBT card. Money is deposited in your account monthly.
To get the food stamps, you have to be a U.S. citizen. You also have to meet low income requirements. Depending on how much you or your family makes, you will be given a specific amount for food stamps. The lower your income is, the more money you would get.
You can find tables online detailing how much money you would get depending on your income. There are also calculators which can determine exactly how much food stamp money you will get.
The first step after figuring out if you can get food stamps is to apply for food stamps online. There are many websites that can help you. Just fill out the application online and submit.
You can also apply for food stamps in person at the social security office. You will need to bring along your identification, pay stubs, and proof of expenses when you go apply. You can also fax all these information in to the office.
Some evidence that you need to bring to the food stamp office would be your mortgage payment statements, child support payments, medical bills, etc. The more you bring, the more likely some of these expenses can be used to calculate how much food stamp you get.
There are some rules for using the food stamps. You are only allowed to buy food. You cannot use the food stamps for alcohol and tobacco.
Once you send out your application, it could take 30 days before you hear an answer back as to whether you can get food stamps or not.
Lena Hweng has helped many low income families apply for food stamps online. For further info on where to apply for food stamps, please see her website.