How Do I Apply?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How do I apply?
To apply for SNAP, you must fill out an application and bring it, send it, or fax it to the Income Support Division (ISD) office for your county.
You may call the ISD office and have them mail an application to you the same day, or you can get an application online:
The same Application for Assistance is used for SNAP, cash assistance, and Medicaid. You can decide if you just want to apply for food assistance, or if you want to apply for other types of assistance at the same time.
Note: If everyone in your household is getting SSI, you can apply for food assistance at your Social Security office. See Social Security Local Office Search or call 1-800-772-1213 for more information.
What are the rules about applying for SNAP?
You should remember these rules when you apply:
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Everyone has the right to apply for SNAP.
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You should apply as soon as possible. If you are approved, your benefits will start as of the date the ISD office receives your application.
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Your application does not have to be complete when you file it. However, it must have your name, address, and signature.
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You can apply for food assistance even if you have been denied cash assistance, Medicaid, or another type of assistance.
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If English is not your primary language, or if you use American Sign Language, you have the right to an interpreter. You may bring a friend or family member to interpret for you if you prefer.
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You can give someone else permission to file your SNAP application for you as your authorized representative. You must give permission in writing to the ISD office.
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You have the right to know how your application is processed and how your benefits will be determined.
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If you are not eligible for food assistance for yourself, you may still apply for other members of your household who are eligible.
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The ISD office will ask to meet with you before making a decision about your eligibility. If you cannot get to the office because you are elderly or disabled, or you have no transportation, or some other problem, ISD will interview you by telephone or can waive your interview in an ISD office.
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The information you give on your SNAP application may be shared with other federal and state agencies and with law enforcement personnel.
What documentation do I need?
To apply for SNAP, you need the following:
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Financial information:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, copies of benefit checks)
- Proof of resources (statements for checking accounts, saving accounts, retirement accounts, credit union accounts, stocks, bonds, and dividends)
- Proof of expenses (rent or mortgage receipts, utility bills, dependent care expenses, deductible medical expenses, court-ordered child support payments
Your ISD worker will help you get the documents you need.
How long does it take to get assistance?
If you are eligible, you will get food assistance within 30 days of the date you applied, unless there is a problem with your application.
Expedited (emergency) food assistance:
Eligible households with very little money who need food assistance right away can get expedited food assistance within 7 days. To get expedited food assistance, you only need a driver's license, picture ID, or other kind of identification. You do not need other proofs. If you do not have any identification, the ISD can call a friend of yours or someone else who knows you to check your identification.
You can get expedited food assistance if:
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your household's gross monthly income is less than $150 and cash and savings are no more than $100
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or your household's gross monthly income and resources are less than your rent or mortgage, plus utilities
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or your household is a migrant worker or seasonal farm worker household with $100 or less in cash and savings
How often do I have to reapply for SNAP?
The ISD will approve your food assistance for a certain number of months, called your certification period. Most households have a 12-month certification period. Households in which all adult members are elderly or disabled may be certified for up to 24 months.
Near the end of your certification period, the ISD will send you a notice telling you how to apply for recertification. You must file your application on time if you want your food assistance benefits to continue without interruption.
When you reapply, ISD will review your eligibility and benefit amounts and interview you in person or by phone.
What changes do I have to report?
You must report any changes that might affect your eligibility for SNAP or your benefit amount.
Some changes, like the loss of a job or the birth of a child, might make your benefits go up. Other changes, like a pay raise or lower rent, might make your benefits go down, or make you ineligible for food assistance.
Examples of changes to report include:
- If you have a new household member
- If someone leaves your household
- If a household member's immigration status changes
- If your income goes up or down
- If your resources have increased beyond the food stamp resource limit
- If you change your address
- If certain expenses, such as housing, child care, or medical expenses, go up or down
Some SNAP households must report changes within 10 days of the date the change took place. Other households must report changes twice each year. Your ISD worker will let you know the rules that apply to you, and when and how to file your report.
What happens if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, the ISD will send you a written notice within 30 days of the date you applied. The denial notice will tell you why you were denied, how to request a fair hearing, and where to get legal help.
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