How to Apply for Medicaid & Foodstamps

Low-income families and individuals are often eligible for government aid. Two widely acknowledged programs are the United States Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)---commonly referred to by its prior moniker, the Food Stamp Program---and Medicaid. Not everyone who applies is accepted for either program. Application methods change from state to state.

Both Medicaid and SNAP are overseen at both the state and federal government level. Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for qualified underprivileged persons. Food cards---or Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBTs)---are redeemable at most grocery stores and may be used for grocery staples such as milk, cheese, eggs and bread.

Things You'll Need

• State- or government-issued identification
• Proof of employment or unemployment
• Banking information

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine your eligibility. While each state has its own Medicaid program and eligibility guidelines, the U.S. government provides the general framework of it. Likewise, each state doles out funds for SNAP, though the program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

  You can call your state's Medicaid eligibility hot line or visit a local Medicaid office to find local Medicaid eligibility guidelines. Guidelines can also be found on USDA.gov (see References). Those seeking SNAP guidelines can find them via USDA.gov or by visiting a local department of social or human services.

• 2

  Fill out an application form. Some states have Internet applications available. If your state does not have Internet application services, you must fill out and sign a hard copy application form.

  Medicaid and SNAP application forms may be obtained from each program's government website or at various state or government service locations, such as local Social Security offices, secretary of state offices or post offices.

• 3

  Gather proper personal identification forms. Valid forms include a driver's license, birth certificate or a similar document that shows where you were born. If you're a legal resident who was born outside of the United States, you must bring official documentation stating your legal residency.

• 4

  Bring or send your completed form and necessary identification and miscellaneous requested information to the proper state department office that manages government health care or food assistance services. In some cases, you may be able to turn the form in at the same institution that gave it to you.

• 5

  Wait for an immediate response or to get called back for an interview. If you are deemed eligible, you will be issued a Medicaid card or EBT card, depending on which program you qualify for.