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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP: formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) is a federal government program which helps U.S. citizens and some non-citizens with low income and resources buy the food needed for a healthy diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture sets eligibility requirements. The program is operated by State and local welfare offices.

To be eligible for SNAP, you, and the household you live in, must meet certain work, income and resource eligibility standards. A "household" is basically the people you live with - whether you're related by blood or marriage or not. Allowable income levels vary if your health condition makes you disabled within the definition of SNAP. The USDA has a pre-screening eligibility tool to help determine if you are eligible. (The tool is just that, a tool that can help. It is not an application).

Some states provide a State Supplemental Payment (SSP) benefit to supplement the amount paid by Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In California and Wisconsin, a food allowance is included in the SSP amount so people collecting SSI/SSP are not eligible for food stamps.

In theory, applying for SNAP should be a simple matter since there is only one form to complete. The tips included in another section of this document help.

SNAP benefits start when your application is approved, which must be within 30 days after you submit your application - unless you ask for Expedited Service (see below).

To obtain information about food assistance in your state, see the contact information listed at: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm offsite link. Inquiries about the program in general can be e mailed to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) via www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/default-1.htm. offsite link

If you need immediate access to food, look for a local food bank at: www.secondharvest.org/zip_code.jsp offsite link.

To learn about other federal food assistance programs see: Federal Food Assistance/ Nutrition Programs.


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