This report serves as a straightforward guide to understanding and using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as “food stamps.” SNAP is a federal program designed to assist low-income families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others in purchasing healthy food. It works by adding funds to a household’s grocery budget, enabling them to afford the nutritious food essential for health and overall well-being. This guide will explain the application process, the necessary documents, how benefits are managed with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and simple ways to check a card’s balance.

Understanding Food Stamps (SNAP) and Your EBT Card

What is SNAP?

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a program overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides financial assistance specifically for food purchases. Each month, eligible households receive funds to help them afford healthy groceries, making it easier to put nutritious meals on the table.

How Does the EBT Card Work?

Once a household’s application for SNAP is approved, they receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card operates much like a standard debit card or a prepaid card. At the beginning of each month, the SNAP funds are automatically deposited directly onto the EBT card.

The EBT card can then be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized food retailers, functioning just like a regular debit card at the checkout. To keep the benefits secure, a secret Personal Identification Number (PIN) is used with the card. The shift to an EBT card system was a deliberate move to modernize food assistance. By making the process look and feel like a typical debit card transaction, the system aims to make using food benefits a more private and comfortable experience for individuals, reducing any discomfort that might have been associated with older, more conspicuous forms of food stamps. This design choice helps encourage broader participation in the program by making the process more discreet and convenient for those who need assistance.

Who Can Get Food Stamps? (Eligibility Basics)

General Rules

SNAP benefits are provided to low-income individuals and families. The specific eligibility criteria and the amount of benefits a household receives depend on several factors, including household size, total income, and other individual circumstances. It is important to remember that individuals must apply for SNAP in the state where they currently live.

While federal guidelines establish the overall framework for SNAP, the precise income limits, allowable deductions, and specific rules can vary from one state to another. This means that while general information can be provided, it is essential for applicants to check the specific requirements set by their state’s SNAP program. The decentralized nature of SNAP administration means that a universal, one-size-fits-all answer regarding eligibility is not possible, making state-specific details crucial for a successful application.

Household Definition

A SNAP household typically includes all individuals who live together and regularly purchase and prepare meals together. There are specific rules regarding spouses and children under 22 living together, who are generally considered part of the same SNAP household even if they buy and prepare meals separately. Special provisions may also apply to elderly individuals (60 or older) or those with disabilities who live with others, potentially allowing them to be considered a separate SNAP household under certain income conditions.

Income Limits

Most households applying for SNAP must meet both a “gross income” limit (their total income before any deductions are taken out) and a “net income” limit (their income after certain allowable deductions). However, if a household includes an elderly person (age 60 or older) or a person receiving certain types of disability payments, they may only need to meet the net income limit.

The following table provides example income guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, valid from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. This table offers a concrete illustration of the income thresholds, making the concept of “income limits” more tangible for potential applicants. It allows individuals to quickly assess if their income might fall within the eligible range, even while understanding that state-specific rules can introduce variations.

Household Size	Gross monthly income (130% of poverty)	Net monthly income (100% of poverty)
1	$1,632	$1,255
2	$2,215	$1,704
3	$2,798	$2,152
4	$3,380	$2,600
5	$3,963	$3,049
6	$4,546	$3,497
7	$5,129	$3,945
8	$5,712	$4,394
Each additional member	+$583	+$449
Note: SNAP income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.

Deductions

Certain household expenses can be subtracted from a household’s total income, which can help them qualify for SNAP or receive a higher benefit amount. These deductions may include a standard deduction applied to all households, a 20% deduction from earned income, and costs for child care if it is necessary for work, training, or education. Medical expenses exceeding $35 per month for elderly or disabled household members, if not covered by insurance, can also be deducted. In some states, legally owed child support payments may also be subtracted. Additionally, shelter costs, which include rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility expenses like heat, electricity, water, and basic telephone service, can be deducted. There is typically a cap on this shelter deduction, unless a household member is elderly or disabled, in which case all excess shelter costs can be deducted.

Assets

Most households are allowed to have certain assets, such as vehicles or bank accounts, and still be eligible for SNAP benefits. Generally, the limit for countable resources is $3,000, or $4,500 if the household includes an elderly or disabled member. Certain assets are typically not counted, such as a household’s home and lot, and resources belonging to individuals who are already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Special rules also apply to vehicles, with many types of vehicles being excluded from the asset limit.

Work Requirements

In general, adult individuals applying for SNAP must meet specific work requirements to be eligible for benefits. These requirements typically include registering for work, not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing work hours without good cause, and accepting a job if offered. Participation in employment and training programs assigned by the state may also be required. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to disqualification from the program. However, certain individuals are exempt from these work requirements, including children, seniors, veterans, pregnant women, and those with physical or mental health reasons that prevent them from working.

Citizenship and Residency

To be eligible for SNAP, an individual must be a U.S. citizen or have a qualified non-citizen status. Most non-citizens must have resided in the U.S. for at least five years, be receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, or be under 18 years of age to qualify.

Important Note

It is important to understand that the only definitive way to determine eligibility for SNAP benefits is to submit an application. The state agency will review the application and make the final determination.

How to Apply for Food Stamps

General Application Methods

Most states offer several convenient ways to apply for SNAP benefits, aiming to make the process accessible for various circumstances:

• Online: Applying online is often the quickest and most convenient method. This involves visiting the specific benefits website for your state.
• In Person: Individuals can visit their local county assistance office or Department of Social Services (DSS) office to apply in person.
• By Mail or Fax: Another option is to download and print a paper application form, complete it, and then mail or fax it to the local office.

Finding Your State’s Application Information

Because SNAP is administered at the state level, the exact website addresses or names of local offices will differ across states. To find the specific information for your state, there are several reliable methods:

• Visit the USDA’s state directory website, which provides links to state-specific resources.
• Call the national SNAP toll-free line at 1-800-221-5689 for general information and guidance.
• Check your state’s official government website, often under sections labeled “Human Resources,” “Social Services,” or “Food Stamps.” Many state websites also feature an office locator tool to help find the nearest application center.

The application process is managed at the state level, meaning there isn’t a single, universal online portal for all applicants. Providing a national helpline and directing individuals to their specific state’s official resources (such as their website or an office locator) is crucial. This approach helps overcome the initial challenge of identifying the correct application portal or local office within a complex, state-by-state administrative structure, ensuring individuals can find the precise entry point for their application.

The Application Process

It is not necessary to know if one is eligible before applying; the state agency is responsible for reviewing the application and determining eligibility. An application can be submitted by a member of the household, such as the head of the household, their spouse, or another responsible member. Alternatively, a designated authorized representative, who could be a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor, can apply on behalf of the applicant. After the application is submitted, an interview with a case manager may be required as part of the process.

For individuals with very low or no income, there might be an option to qualify for “expedited benefits.” This means that if eligible, benefits could be provided within seven days. It is advisable to inquire about this possibility when submitting the application.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

Gathering the necessary documents before starting the application process can significantly help in speeding up the review and approval of your application. The following table lists common documents that applicants are typically asked to provide:

Category	Examples of Documents
Proof of Identity & Age	Driver’s license, state ID card, birth certificate, passport, adoption records, vaccination records, Naturalization Certificate, military records.
Proof of Residency	Lease agreement, rent receipt, utility bill (gas, electric, water), letter from landlord, mortgage payment book.
Social Security Number (SSN)	Social Security Card for every individual applying in the household, or a photo ID with birthdate so the social worker can look up the SSN.
Proof of Immigration Status	Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Naturalization Certificate, or other immigration documents for non-citizens applying.
Proof of Income	Pay stubs (for the last 4 consecutive weeks or 30 days), most recent tax return (if self-employed), benefit letters from Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Administration (VA), or pension providers, Unemployment Insurance check stubs, court orders or letters verifying child support received.
Proof of Expenses (Deductions)
Child Care	Monthly out-of-pocket child care expense receipts.
Shelter Costs	Lease or mortgage payment book, homeowner’s insurance bills, proof of property taxes, utility bills (water, sewer, electricity, landline phone, mobile phone).
Medical Expenses (for 60+/Disabled)	Paid and unpaid bills for medical, dental, and mental healthcare; prescriptions, glasses, dentures, hearing aids; prosthetics; service animals; health insurance and Medicare premiums; and/or medical transportation (if expenses are greater than $35 and not covered by insurance).
Proof of Resources/Assets	Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts, stock/bond certificates, recreational or vacation properties (if not primary residence), boats, mobile homes not used for everyday living or transportation or to earn income.

This table organizes a potentially overwhelming list of required documents into a clear, scannable checklist. This structured presentation directly addresses a common difficulty for applicants by helping them prepare efficiently, which can significantly reduce delays in the application process.

Using Your Food Stamp Card (EBT) at the Store

Where You Can Use Your EBT Card

An EBT card can be used at most grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and many farmers markets across the United States. To identify stores that accept SNAP EBT payments, look for the Quest® logo, or simply ask the cashier if they accept EBT. Many large retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon, as well as app-based food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash, also allow the use of EBT cards for online grocery pickup and delivery orders.

What You Can Buy with Your EBT Card

Your EBT card is designed to purchase most food items intended for home preparation and consumption. This includes a wide range of nutritious foods:

• Fruits and vegetables, whether fresh, frozen, or canned.
• Meat, poultry, and fish.
• Breads and cereals.
• Dairy products.
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Seeds and plants that grow food for your household.

What You Cannot Buy with Your EBT Card

There are specific items that SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:

• Alcohol and tobacco products, including beer, wine, and cigarettes.
• Vitamins and supplements.
• Hot, prepared foods, such as a hot rotisserie chicken from the deli or a hot coffee.
• Other non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, paper goods, or hygiene products.

How to Use Your EBT Card at the Store

Using your EBT card at the store is similar to using a debit card, with a few simple steps:

1. Check your balance first: Always know how much money is available on your card before you begin shopping. This helps in planning purchases and avoiding issues at checkout.
2. Separate your items: At the checkout lane, some store registers may automatically separate SNAP-eligible items from non-eligible items. In smaller stores, it might be necessary to inform the cashier which items are to be paid for with your EBT card, which could require two separate transactions.
3. Swipe your card and enter your PIN: Swipe your EBT card through the point-of-sale (POS) terminal at the checkout. Then, carefully type your secret PIN on the number pad, ensuring that no one else can see it.
4. Confirm the amount: Tell the cashier the exact amount of SNAP funds you wish to use for the purchase, or enter the amount yourself on the keypad.
5. Keep your receipt: After the transaction is complete, you will receive a printed receipt. This receipt typically shows your purchase details and your remaining EBT balance. Keeping these receipts is a good practice for tracking spending and knowing your balance before your next shopping trip.

Providing clear guidelines on what can and cannot be purchased, along with practical, step-by-step instructions for using the card at checkout, helps individuals shop confidently and avoid potentially embarrassing situations at the register. The emphasis on checking the balance beforehand and retaining receipts encourages responsible financial management of the benefits, empowering users to make informed decisions about their spending.

How to Check Your Food Stamp Balance

Knowing the current balance on an EBT card is vital for planning shopping trips and effectively managing benefits. There are several convenient and easy ways to check the balance:

1. Using Mobile Apps (Often the Easiest Way)

Many states offer free mobile applications that allow individuals to check their EBT balance instantly from their smartphone, anytime and anywhere. Popular options include 

Propel, ebtEDGE, and ConnectEBT, though some states may have their own custom-developed applications.

To begin using these apps, one typically downloads the application from their phone’s app store, creates an account, and then securely links their EBT card. These applications offer a range of features beyond just balance checking. They can display the balance in real-time, provide notifications when new benefits are deposited, and show a detailed transaction history, often covering the last 6 months to 2 years.Furthermore, many apps allow users to change their PIN and offer important security features such as the ability to freeze the account instantly, block out-of-state purchases, and monitor for suspicious activity. The widespread availability and advanced features of these mobile apps represent a significant advancement in benefit management. They offer not only convenience but also crucial security tools that empower users to actively protect their benefits from potential theft or misuse. This proactive approach to security is a critical development in ensuring the integrity of the SNAP program.

2. Checking Online

Individuals can also check their EBT balance through their state’s official EBT website, which is commonly ebtEDGE.com or connectebt.com. For first-time users, it is necessary to register the EBT card number and create a user ID and password. These websites provide access to the current balance and a record of transaction history.

3. Calling the Toll-Free Number

Every EBT card has a toll-free customer service number printed on its back. This automated helpline is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To obtain the current balance and review recent transactions, individuals will need to provide their EBT card number and PIN. This number can also be used to report a lost, stolen, or damaged card and to request a replacement.

4. Using Store Receipts and ATMs

• Store Receipts: After nearly every purchase made with an EBT card, the remaining balance is printed on the grocery store receipt. Keeping these receipts is a simple and effective way to track the balance.
• ATMs: If an individual’s EBT card also carries cash benefits, they can check their balance at ATMs that accept EBT cards. It is important to be aware that some ATMs may charge a fee for balance inquiries.

Important Tips for Managing Your Benefits

Effectively managing SNAP benefits involves more than just applying and spending; it also requires protecting the funds and understanding program rules.

• Keep Your PIN Safe: The PIN is a secret code that protects the benefits on the EBT card. It should never be shared with anyone, and it is strongly advised not to write it down on the card itself or store it where others can easily find it.
• Change Your PIN Regularly: Changing the PIN frequently is a simple yet effective step to help protect benefits from potential fraud. This action can typically be performed through the state’s EBT mobile app or online portal.
• Watch Out for Scams: Individuals should exercise extreme caution regarding phone calls or text messages that ask for their EBT card number or PIN. State agencies responsible for SNAP will not request this sensitive information over the phone or via text message. If such a request is received, it is highly likely to be a scam, and the information should not be provided. The emphasis on PIN safety, regular PIN changes, and scam awareness highlights a growing need for beneficiaries to be proactive in securing their benefits, especially with the increasing use of digital access and the associated risks of fraud.
• Report Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards Immediately: If an EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, it is crucial to report it right away. This can be done by calling the customer service number located on the back of the card, or by using the state’s EBT app or website. Prompt reporting helps prevent unauthorized use of benefits.
• Benefits Roll Over: SNAP benefits do not expire at the end of the month they are issued. Any unused money will automatically roll over to the next month’s balance. However, it is important to note that if benefits are not used at all for a period of nine consecutive months, they will be permanently removed from the account. Understanding this 9-month expiration rule is critical for users to avoid losing their accumulated benefits.
• Report Changes: Households are required to report any significant changes in their income, work hours, or other important household information to their local SNAP office. These changes should typically be reported within 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred. Reporting changes promptly helps ensure that the household receives the correct amount of benefits and avoids overpayments or underpayments.
• Know Your Rights: When using an EBT card, individuals have the right to be treated with the same respect and fairness as any other customer.

Conclusion

SNAP benefits represent a vital resource designed to help families and individuals access healthy and nutritious food. The application process involves understanding the eligibility rules, which vary by state, and gathering the necessary documents. The specific state’s SNAP office or official website is the most reliable resource for detailed application information.

Once approved, the EBT card simplifies grocery shopping, functioning much like a debit card. There are numerous convenient methods available to check the EBT balance and manage benefits, with mobile applications and online portals offering particularly easy access and important security features. It is crucial to safeguard the EBT card and PIN, remain vigilant against potential scams, and promptly report any changes in household circumstances or issues with the card. By understanding these processes and taking proactive steps to manage their benefits, individuals can effectively utilize SNAP to support their household’s nutritional needs. If questions arise or assistance is needed, individuals should not hesitate to reach out to their local SNAP office or use the provided contact information, as support is available.