If you knew these five things you’d probably apply for SNAP benefits after all!
Filling out an application for FNS/SNAP benefits (previously Food Stamps) may seem a bit daunting, but before you throw your hands up in the air and mutter “no way!” I’d like for you to consider five things:
#1 – YOU CAN FILL OUT JUST A BIT OF INFORMATION …
If you’re not able to complete the entire application, for any reason, you can print just the first page; fill in your name, address and signature; then, turn it in to your county’s Department of Social Services (DSS). Including a phone number where you can be reached would also be helpful. This alone gets the process started.
#2 – YOU CAN HAVE SOMEONE YOU TRUST APPLY FOR YOU …
If you prefer that someone you trust (and who knows your financial circumstances) applies for you instead, you can fill out a form to allow this person to apply for you – he or she is called your “authorized representative.” You can also have an authorized representative shop for you using your EBT benefit card.
#3 – YOU CAN COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE …
If you prefer to complete your application online (typing), rather than by hand (writing), you can do that online. After you’ve keyed in your information, print it off, sign it, and take it to your county’s DSS.
#4 – YOU CAN REQUEST A PHONE INTERVIEW …
If you’re not able to attend an in-person interview at DSS, for any reason, you can request that your initial interview be conducted by phone instead. So, don’t let transportation or mobility issues get in your way! You and DSS will get the needed forms and documents back-and-forth to each other using the postal service.
#5 – YOUR BENEFITS BEGIN ON THE DATE YOUR APPLICATION IS RECEIVED …
The clock starts ticking on the day that you turn in your application – that’s the date that your benefits will start (retroactively), if you’re approved. Your county’s DSS has 30 days to process a regular application, or 7 days to process an emergency application. So there’s no payoff for thinking about applying, or leaving a completed application sitting on your kitchen counter!
So, with all of these supports and possibilities for getting your application done, I’d like for you to now take your hands down from over your head and instead commit to “I can do this!” Here’s how to quickly find your county’s DSS while you’re in the momentum.
Thanks to Yuma Hori “hokkey” (Flickr) for the raised hands on the home page; and, thanks to Tonya Witherspoon (Flickr) for the women and paperwork photo.