SNAP Food Stamps Rules and Proofs

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What are the rules about applying for SNAP food stamps?

What proofs do I need when I apply?

What are the rules about applying for SNAP food stamps?

You should remember these rules when you apply:

• Everyone has the right to apply for SNAP food stamps.

• If you are not eligible for SNAP food stamps for yourself, you may still apply for other members of your household who are eligible.

• You should apply as soon as possible. If you are approved, your benefits will start as of the date the DTA office receives your application.

• Your application does not have to be complete when you file it. However, it must have your name, address, and signature.

• You can apply for SNAP food stamps even if you have been denied cash assistance, MassHealth, or another type of assistance.

• You can give someone else permission to file your SNAP food stamps application for you. You must give permission in writing to the DTA office using the DTA's Authorized Representative Form. You can get this form from the DTA Food Assistance web site.
  
  You should let the DTA know if you only want this person to file your application, or if you also want this person to be able to use your SNAP food stamps card.

• You have the right to know how your application is processed and how your benefits are calculated.

• A DTA worker will ask to meet with you before making a decision about your eligibility. If you cannot get to the DTA office because you are elderly or disabled, you have no transportation, you are working during the day, or some other problem, DTA will interview you by telephone or schedule a home visit.

• If English is not your primary language, or if you use American Sign Language, you have the right to an interpreter. You may bring a friend or relative to interpret for you, if you prefer.

• The information you give on your SNAP food stamps application is confidential and will only be used to determine your eligibility for SNAP food stamps.

What proofs do I need when I apply?

To apply for SNAP food stamps, you need to show proof of identity, household income, household expenses, and certain other information that will let the DTA decide if you are eligible. You will have to provide some or all of the following proofs:

• General information:

  • identification such as a driver's license, health care ID card, or birth certificate for the head of household
  • Social Security numbers for everyone in your household who is applying for food stamp benefits (anyone who does not provide a Social Security number cannot get SNAP food stamps). You do not need the card, just the number. 
  • proof of immigration status for noncitizens in your household who are applying for food stamp benefits 
  • proof of address, such as a rent receipt or utility bill, unless you are homeless or new to the area

• Financial information:

  • Proof of earned income (pay stubs for the past four weeks or a statement from your employer)
  • Proof of unearned income (copies of benefit checks, child support or alimony)
  • Proof of self-employment income (copy of tax return or business records)
  • *Proof of assets, if your household has an asset limit (statements for checking accounts, saving accounts, retirement accounts, credit union accounts, stocks, bonds, and dividends), or if you are applying for expedited SNAP food stamps 
    
    *Note: Food stamp asset limits have been eliminated for most households.

• Expenses:

  • Shelter costs (Landlord Verification Form), rent receipt, lease, or mortgage statement)
  • Utility costs (oil, gas, electricity, telephone bills, etc.)
  • Medical expenses for household members who are disabled or age 60 or older (health insurance payments, eyeglasses, prescription and over-the-counter medicine, transportation to medical appointments, etc.)
  • Child care or adult care expenses (cancelled check or statement from the care provider)
  • Court-ordered child support payments (proof of legal obligation and amount)

If you do not have all of the proofs you need, file your application anyway. Your DTA worker will help you get the rest of the documents, or tell you other proofs that DTA will accept. In some cases you can use "collateral contact," which means that you give the DTA permission to call people you know to check your information.