Food stamps, officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help low-income families buy groceries with funds from an Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT), similar to a debit or credit card. The federal government funds and administers SNAP benefits through individual states. Each state processes its resident's applications and send notice of acceptance or denial. Federal rules state that applicants must receive notice of their application status within 30 days of applying and submitting all required documentation. If you have not received word from your local department of social services within this time frame, you can find out the status by phone or online if your state provides such access.

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How to Find Out About the Status of My Food Stamp Application

How Can I Check the Status of My Food Stamps?

Instructions

By Phone

1

Call the department of social services in your county. Tell a case worker that you wish to find out the status of your SNAP application.

2

Give the case worker identifying information such as your name, address, Social Security number and date of birth to confirm your identity.

3

Listen as the case worker tells you the status of your food stamp application. If the DSS has approved your benefits, ask when you will receive your EBT card. If your application requires additional information or documentation for the DSS to approve you for SNAP benefits, send it to the DSS office as soon as possible.

Online

4

Go to the website where you applied for food stamp benefits. If you did not apply for food stamps using an online application, you cannot check the status of your application with this method.

5

Sign in with the username and password you created when you applied. Although each state uses a different interface for its online food stamp application, there should be a tab or link on your account page that reads "Application Status" or something similar. Click the link or tab to see if you application is approved, denied or pending further documentation.

6

Send any required documentation or information to the DSS or, if your application has been approved, contact the office to ask when you can expect your EBT card.

Tips & Warnings

You can appeal a decision to deny your application if you initiate the appeal within 60 days of the denial notification.

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