Determining whether or not you are eligible to receive food stamps
The application process varies from state to state. Some states require you to fill out an application in person at the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) office while other states allow you to submit an application online. Some states even require you to submit a combination of both. Look online at your state’s policies for applying for food stamps and make sure you meet these requirements. These websites also provide excellent information on how to get an EBT card.
The application process
The next step is to go through the application process. You must check your state’s website for their DPW office to find out whether you can do an online application, a paper application, or a combination of the two.
Make sure you have all supporting documents such as all income information for those living in your household, social security cards or birth certificates for everyone in your family, a list of expenses, copies of all utility bills, bills for your car payments and insurance, and a copy of your lease if you are currently renting. If you fill out an online application, you will have to either send or drop off copies of all that information directly to the DPW office.
What happens when I have completed the application process?
If you completed the application in person, you will be notified immediately if you qualify for food stamps. If you don’t qualify, you will be told why you were denied. If you completed the entire application process online, it may take up to a few weeks to hear whether you have been approved and will receive a letter in the mail instructing you on how to get an EBT card. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get your EBT card on the spot, especially if there is a member of your household that is pregnant.
Now that you have learned how to apply for food stamps and how to get an EBT card, the rest is simple. The money is put directly onto your card and it can be used at any store that sells food. It can only be used to purchase food items and works like any other debit or credit card. While the process may be tedious, it will be a welcomed help for your family in the end.