Food Assistance Program

How It Works

The Food Assistance Program (once referred to as Food Stamps) helps low-income households with their monthly food expenses. Food Assistance is issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which means that benefits are deposited monthly into the household's EBT account. Households are issued a card and pay for their groceries at food stores by using the card, which works like a debit card, at the checkout counter. The cost of the purchased groceries is deducted electronically from the EBT account.

To receive Food Assistance, you must meet certain requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal immigrant.
• You must have or apply for a Social Security number.
• You must meet the income and reserve requirements.

  

The eligibility tool is provided by the FDA for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The link to the eligibility tool is for pre-screening only. You are not applying for the program and no eligibility decision will be determined. It is only to see if you meet the initial eligibility requirements. Other restrictions may apply.