Step 1 (optional): Take the prescreening test to see if you are qualified to apply for food stamps at: https://dcf-access.dcf.state.fl.us/access2florida/prescreening/welcome.do?performAction=init&mode=Inter
Step 2: Apply in the way best suited for you:
- Apply online at: https://dcf-access.dcf.state.fl.us/access2florida/access/scrflwelcome.do?performAction=init
- Visit your local ACCESS location to pick up an application or apply on a public computer. Find your local ACCESS office here: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/route1.shtml
For assistance please contact your local ACCESS office at: 1-866-76ACCES or 1-866-762-2237
Applying For Florida Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was made to assist families that do not have the funds to purchase their food month after month. In 2010 alone, SNAP helped more than 40 million men, women and children obtain enough to eat.
Anyone within the United States can apply for food stamps, regardless of their particular background, race, gender, or religious beliefs. How much a person receives in assistance from SNAP depends on a few factors, but in the year 2008, the average person received $101 a month.
To be accepted into the food stamp program, you have to meet particular monetary and situational requirements. During the application process, and interview, you will need to have particular documents on hand.
In most instances, if you are under 60 years old, it is a requirement for you to not have any greater than $2,000 in assets. However, if you or another person in your home is 60 or higher, that limit raises to $3,000. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), are not considered assets when you are applying for food stamps. However, cash, what is in a bank account, and perhaps your current vehicle, are counted as assets.
Another requirement is an income limit, which is affected by the amount of people you have dwelling in your house when you are applying for food stamps.
How much your expenses are is also taken into account while making a request for SNAP benefits. If you are paying for child or elderly care, rent, mortgage, or utilities; all of those costs will be taken into account. On top of that, there are also particular medical expenditures which could add up towards your total expenses when you are applying for food stamps.
An EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card is given to those who are found eligible and pass the application and interview process. An EBT card is very similar to a debit card and can be used at most food stores, and even some qualifying convenience stores or farmers markets.