Food Stamps

Do you need help stretching your food budget?


	What is it? Food Stamps is a federal program that gives individuals and families money to purchase food. Families can be eligible for Food Stamps even if they make too much money to qualify for Public Assistance (PA). What do you get? Food Stamps are given to you in an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that you use like a credit card at your local grocer to purchase food. The amount you receive each month depends on your household size and income. How long do you get it? You can get Food Stamps as long as you continue to qualify - but you will need to recertify. If you were never on PA or if you've been off PA for more than a year, you'll have to re-certify every 12 months. The Department of Social Services will send you a notice in the mail reminding you to come in to a Food Stamps office to recertify. You must bring all the documents listed in the 'What Do I Need to Bring...?' box. If your PA was closed less than 12 months ago, you'll have to recertify more often (every 3-6 months). Your PA case manager will notify you by mail when you have to re-certify.


	Do You Have An Emergency? If you have an emergency and need help buying food now, you may qualify for 'expedited service.' Expedited service means that you can get Food Stamps no later than five days after you apply (instead of waiting 30 days). If your household has little or no money, you may qualify for expedited food stamps. If you think you are eligible, ask your caseworker to verify this when you go in to apply for the benefit.

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