The USDA's Food Stamp program enables low-income families to buy nutritious food and Electronic Benefit Transfer  (EBT) cards.

Difficulty Level: Average      Time Required: Varies

1. Contact your local food stamp office. In the telephone book, the office should be listed under "Food Stamps", "Social Services", "Human Services", "Public Assistance", or a similar title.
2. Everyone in your household must have a Social Security number and meet other requirements. [See Related Features for more information.]
3. When you apply, you will need to provide several pieces of information proving your identity, income, rent, etc. [See Related Features for more information.]
4. See the Tips section below for information on household resource and income limits.
5. Federal law says that once you sign and submit your application form, the Food Stamp Certification Office must interview you and tell you if you qualify within 30 days.
   

1. Each state has a "Food Stamp Hotline" telephone number offering information on the program. [See Related Features for more information.]
2. Different requirements apply to legal immigrants. [See Legal Immigrant Information under Related Features for details.]
3. If you are receiving or applying for Social Security (SSI) benefits, you can apply for food stamps at any Social Security office.
   

Related Features:

• Links and information on applying for food stamps
• Allowable Resource Limits
• Allowable Income Tables
• Income Deductions
• Legal Immigrant Information