Food and Nutrition Services SNAP

Here’s how you can check the availability of your benefits:

• Call 1-888-622-7328.
• Visit www.ebtedge.com. Click “More Information” under EBT Cardholders.
• Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play.

There are some general work requirements for those who are 16-59 years old and able to work, including registering for work, participating in SNAP E&T, taking a suitable job if offered, and not quitting or reducing work hours below the limit without a good reason. 

These do not apply to those already meeting the specified work hours, taking care of a dependent, participating in a substance treatment program, unable to work due to a mental or physical limitation, or those in school or training programs at least part-time. Typically, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18-49 can only receive SNAP benefits for three months within a 36-month period unless they are participating in at least 20 hours of work-related activities per week.

SNAP participation is limited to U.S. citizens and some lawfully present non-citizens who meet the income and resource requirements. Lawfully present non-citizens may qualify if they meet the general requirements and have additionally lived in the U.S. for at least five years, are receiving disability-related benefits, and/or are under 18 years of age.

If you have eligible household members who are dependents, then you can apply for them even if you are ineligible.

SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP are three separate federally funded health and nutrition programs supporting low-income individuals and families in the U.S. If the eligibility requirements are met for each, it is possible to qualify for all three programs at the same time.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides supplemental food assistance for low-income women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants, and children up to five years of age. Single fathers, foster parents, and guardians who have custody of their children can also apply. Through WIC, participants can get nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. Benefits for the program are either distributed through WIC checks or an EBT card. EBT cards for SNAP are loaded with a predetermined amount of cash benefits, while WIC benefits involve a monthly food package of approved foods and amounts of these based on the participant’s category (pregnant, postpartum, infant, or child). The only cash value benefit on WIC cards are for fruits and vegetables. As WIC and SNAP are both Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs, potential recipients can apply for both online via E-PASS.

The Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides supplemental food assistance for low-income households. Through the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture purchases nutritious foods and makes them available to state distributing agencies who then distribute the food to organizations (soup kitchens, food pantries, etc.) directly serving the public. Participants can access benefits by visiting these food distribution locations. There is no standard form to fill out for the program and eligibility standards vary by state. The burden of proof is generally lower for this program than other federal food assistance programs. Participants who are already participating in SNAP, WIC, or another low-income benefits program will most likely qualify for TEFAP.

• Fruit and vegetables
• Meat, fish and poultry
• Bread and cereal
• Dairy products
• Seeds & plan starts to grow produce

• Any non-food items like pet food, soap, paper products
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
• Vitamins and medicine
• Any food that will be eaten in the store and hot food