Food Stamps

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program. Answers to questions about the program's name change and how it may affect applicants and recipients is available.

To apply for SNAP, you must fill out an application and return it to a local food stamp office. Each state has a different application.

To find out if you are eligible for food stamps or how much you can receive, you can use the food stamp pre-screening eligibility tool. This calculator is not an application for food stamps, but it can be used to determine if you may be eligible to receive food stamp benefits. An application for food stamps must be made through your local food stamp office.

Once notified of eligibility, you can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to access food stamps and cash benefits. The EBT system makes issuing food stamps and cash benefits faster and easier through the use of electronic transactions. Many states have web sites set up for their EBT programs. Please contact your state EBT program for information. If your state is not listed and you need further information, please contact your state SNAP or local office.

Each state also has a toll-free number listed, and you can call to learn about groups that have food stamp outreach programs. 

You may wish to contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) SNAP office by phone or mail at:

Phone: 1-800-221-5689
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
3101 Park Center Dr.
Alexandria, VA 22302

If you want to find out how to accept SNAP benefits in your store, information and the online retailer application are available.