News

Step by Step: What is the Process to Apply for the Food Stamp Program or SNAP?

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps,” is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program. The number of people receiving SNAP dramatically rose during the pandemic. As of June 2021, SNAP helps over 42 million people around The United States, which is around 12% of the total population, or 1 out of 9 persons in the United States.  


This article will answer the following questions about SNAP or Food Stamps:


What are Food Stamps or SNAP?

How can I apply? Step by Step

What documents do I need to Apply?

Where can I request more information? 

Are you in need of food right now?

What are Food Stamps or SNAP?

Food Stamps, or SNAP is a federal program of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps families, with certain income and resource limits, to pay for healthy food and groceries. Families can use SNAP to buy fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy products, fish, and meat, with the exception of non-food items such as cleaning supplies, cigarettes or alcoholic drinks. Eligible people receive a card where benefits are automatically transferred to, and it can be used similar to a credit or debit card. The card can only be used at selected grocery stores or farmers markets. 

How can I apply? Step by Step

Applying to SNAP is easy, follow these simple steps.

STEP 1: Enter the SNAP State Directory of Resources – You will see a map with contact information for each state.

STEP 2: Each state has its own application form. To get information on how to apply, select your state on the map. For instance, if you select California, you will see:

  • Program Name
  • Contact Information for California
  • Where to Apply (Online, Language: English or Spanish).
  • State EBT information (website and phone number).

STEP 3: Most states have online applications, as it is the case of California. The next step is to click on ‘Online Application’ and it will take you to the state’s portal where you can apply.

STEP 4: Now that you are in your state’s portal, you will click on “Apply Now.” There is usually additional information to help you understand the requirements and to see if you qualify for benefits even before you apply. 

What documents do I need to Apply?

Before starting your application, make sure to read the required documents. They usually include (but may be different by State):

  • Proof of identity (Driver’s License, State ID card, Student ID)
  • Proof of income (like recent pay stubs, or unemployment benefits)
  • Proof of expenses (like receipts for rent, medical costs, or child care)

However, if you are applying for benefits for your child and not yourself, you WILL NOT have to provide a social security number. You only have to provide your social security number if you are also applying for yourself.

But you do have to provide income information for everyone in your family in the application, even if you are not applying for benefits for yourself. However, you will not have to provide a social security number or information about your immigration if you are only applying for your children.

Where can I request more information? 

There is a website with the frequently asked questions where you can find useful information. Or you can call the SNAP Toll Free Information Number: (1-800-221-5689).

Are you in need of food right now?

If you are hungry and in need of food assistance now, call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. 

Mexican-American Yazmin Magaña is a staff writer with Revolution English. Her passion includes sharing Latinx voices through media publications and community events. Magaña is a Berkeley graduate with a background in Political Science and Sociology, which allows her to create stories around social issues that deserve attention in the Latin community.