How to Apply For Florida Food Stamps
- 1). Review the citizenship and work eligibility guidelines to see if you and your household members qualify. You and your household members must have, or applied for, Social Security numbers. All household members also must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens. Household members ages 16 to 60 who are healthy enough to work must be registered for work and accept any reasonable work offers.
- 2). Review the income eligibility guidelines to see if you and your household members qualify. Your household must have a gross (pre-tax) income less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and a net income of less than 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Not all income is counted, so you should apply even if you're a few hundred dollars over the Federal Poverty Level. As of 2011, 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level for a family of four is $3,675 per month, and 100 percent is $1,838.
- 3). Review the asset guidelines to ensure you and your household members qualify. If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Temporary Cash Assistance, you meet the asset guidelines. Households can have $2,000 to $3,000 in assets. Your home and property, household items, burial plots, life insurance policies and vehicles don't count toward your asset limit.
- 4). Apply for benefits. You can complete your application online at MyFlorida.com/AccessFlorida, in person with one of ACCESS Florida's nonprofit community partners, or in person at one of ACCESS Florida's Customer Service Centers. Set aside at least 30 minutes to complete the application. Have Social Security numbers and dates of birth for all household members along with income and asset information for all adults in your household. You must provide information on how much you've spent over the past few months on medical expenses for any elderly or disabled household members, information on any child support payments and the amount of rent or mortgage and utilities you pay each month.
- 5). Interview with the Department of Children and Family Services, if needed. Most interviews are over the phone. The department reviews all applications and interviews those who need to provide additional information or clarification.
- 6). Review the letter you receive letting you know whether you've been approved for benefits, and, if so, how much your benefits are, how long your benefits will last and when your benefits will start. You will receive your electronic benefits card in the mail, and your benefits will be automatically loaded onto the card. If you're declined for benefits, the letter will include the reason and how to appeal.
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