How to Apply for Food Stamps & Medicaid

In hard economic times, it’s sometimes difficult to make ends meet. Programs such as food stamps (now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP]) and Medicaid can help pay for some of your grocery and health care costs. Both of these programs are widely available, but require a lengthy application process.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of income
• Identification (at least two forms)
• Social Security card or proof you are applying for one
• Proof of assets and resources

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Instructions

• 1

  Find your local state or county agencies that administer SNAP and Medicaid. While both of these programs are at least in part federally funded, states are in charge of administering the benefits. Some larger states have counties or cities administer the benefits as well. You can find your local SNAP office through the USDA’s website, and your local Medicaid office through the National Association of State Medicaid Director’s website. The yellow pages or information lines such as 411 should have these listings as well.

• 2

  Ask about eligibility details. Mainly concern yourself with income and asset limits. Income refers to the money you take in every month. This can be from employment, Social Security, a pension, alimony, child support, etc. Assets refer to money you have saved, and in some areas, any vehicles and property you may own. Don’t be discouraged if you exceed the limits—there may be exceptions and disregards in your state that a social worker could help you with.

• 3

  Obtain an application. After you call the agency in your area, have them mail you an application, or you could pick one up in person. Sometimes SNAP and Medicaid can be applied for through the same agency or building, however, this is not the case everywhere. You can also pick up a SNAP application in any Social Security office.

• 4

  Gather the necessary documents. Most states will require proof of your income, so find check stubs or account statements for the past three months. If this is unavailable, get letters for employers that state how much you work and how much you make. Gather any utility bills or proof of your major expenses in case these can help you qualify. You may also need a few forms of identification, so have your birth certificate, social security card, and your state ID or driver’s license ready.

• 5

  Fill out and submit the application. If you have the proper documents handy, filling out the application should be easy. If you have trouble with it, contact your agency for assistance. Keep in mind that submitting an incomplete application does not disqualify you. If your application has your name, address and signature, the agency must accept it. You will have to provide the missing information at a later point.

• 6

  Attend any necessary interviews. Each state and county has different policies about this, but you may have to attend an interview. This is a good time to ask the social worker about any questions you may have.

• 7

  Wait for a response. You will typically hear back from the agency within a few weeks, if not immediately. If you receive an unfavorable decision and you feel you are qualified, you can request a fair hearing to appeal the decision.