Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Program provides monthly nutrition assistance for low-income people to purchase nutritional food.

Eligibility

Eligibility to participate in the Food Stamp Program is based on household size, income, assets and other factors. The following households are potentially eligible for Food Stamps:

Working families
Unemployed people
People employed on a part-time basis
Recipients of Public Assistance
The elderly
Disabled people
Non-citizens
Homeless people

How to apply

You can request an application be mailed to you or simply pick one up at any of our public contact offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Food Stamps?

Food Stamps are America's primary form of nutrition assistance. To alleviate the stigma associated with coupons, Food Stamps benefits are now provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works just like a normal debit card.

2. Do I have to be on Public Assistance to be eligible to receive Food Stamps?

No. Many recipients of Food Stamps are employed, elderly or disabled people who need assistance purchasing nutritional food.

3. How long does it take to receive Food Stamp benefits?

If you qualify for Food Stamps, you will receive them no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. If you have very little or no income and less than $100 in cash, you may be eligible to receive Food Stamps within 3 days.

4. What is the average benefit from the Food Stamp Program?

The average monthly benefit is about $73 per person and almost $173 per household.

5. What foods are eligible for purchase with Food Stamps?

Households can use Food Stamps to buy any food or food product for human consumption as well as seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food. Households cannot buy:

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
Lunch counter items or food to be eaten in the store
Vitamins and medicines
Pet food
Any non-food items (except seeds or plants)

6. I am a single adult without dependents; can I apply for Food Stamp benefits?

Yes.