Food & SNAP
Help with food stamps. And help while you wait.
SNAP — what people still call food stamps — is run by the federal government but applications go through your state. Here's how it works, what you'll need, and where to apply where you live.
What SNAP is, in plain English
SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — puts money on a card called EBT that you swipe at the grocery store like a debit card. Most working families and people on fixed incomes qualify, including people who own a car or a home. It is not welfare. It is not a loan. It is a benefit you've already paid for in taxes.
Today
Pick your state below and apply online. Most applications take 30–45 minutes.
This week
Gather your documents: ID, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), rent or mortgage bill, utility bill.
Who usually qualifies
The federal income limit is 130% of the poverty line for most households. As a rough guide, a family of three earning under about $2,800 a month gross usually qualifies. Some states use higher limits. Households with a person 60+ or a person with a disability often qualify with higher income.
Most assets don't count. Your home doesn't count. Most retirement accounts don't count. One vehicle is usually exempt in most states.
Find your state's SNAP office
Pick your state to apply on the official government portal. We don't process applications. We just take you there.
While you wait — emergency food
SNAP applications can take up to 30 days, though emergency expedited SNAP can come in 7 days if you have very low income or savings. While you wait, food banks and pantries are free, no questions asked.
If you're denied
You have the right to appeal. Most states give you 90 days. The denial letter will say where to send the appeal. Don't wait — file even if you think you'll lose. Filing keeps the door open and often turns up a paperwork issue that's easy to fix.
Read this next
→ How to apply for food stamps without messing up the income question