Why You Should Apply for SNAP
Are you struggling to buy groceries each month? Do you feel like you’re failing when it comes to your children’s nutrition? Have you tried cutting other expenses to make more room for food to no avail? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you should apply for SNAP.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is just a fancy name for food stamps. Unlike food stamps from the past, though, SNAP benefits now come loaded onto EBT cards that you can swipe at participating stores.
With SNAP, you won’t have to worry as much about putting food on the table. You’ll get monthly funds to buy groceries, which will leave more room in your budget for other expenses.
You can begin the SNAP application process by going here. You will need to meet income requirements, as SNAP is awarded based on financial need. You will also need to complete the application process with an interview.
Receiving SNAP Benefits
If you’re approved for SNAP, you will receive your EBT card via mail. Once you activate the EBT card and set up a PIN, you will be good to go.
As for how long it takes to receive SNAP benefits, that depends. You could receive them within a week, or it could take a month.
Using SNAP Benefits
Your EBT card is where your monthly funds will be sent. As such, you will want to keep it in a safe place. Many places accept EBT. In general, you can use the card at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Walgreens, Walmart, Target, CVS, etc., may also accept EBT. And you could use it at some farmers’ markets for fresh produce.
When you receive your EBT card, contact your local SNAP office. Ask if online purchases are approved in your state. The majority of states allow for this, so you may be in luck.
You can also use the SNAP Retailer Locator to find places that accept EBT in your area.
You will be limited as to what you can buy with SNAP. The list is still long, however, as you can buy the following necessities with your EBT card:
- Dairy
- Meat
- Fish
- Poultry
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Bread
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Cereal
- Rice
- Snacks
- Desserts
- Condiments
- Spices
Prepared foods are usually prohibited, although some states allow for fast food EBT purchases. You will not be able to use your SNAP benefits to buy alcohol, tobacco, household supplies, supplements, medication, vitamins, live animals, or health and beauty products.
Before shopping, check your SNAP balance by calling the phone number on the back of your card. Your state may also have an app or web portal for checking the balance.
If you are traveling, your EBT card should work wherever SNAP is accepted. But if you decide to move to another state, you will have to reapply for SNAP to receive monthly benefits.
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