Applying for SNAP

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Please read and follow all steps below to improve your application process.

Apply for SNAP

The application steps below are meant to support you in the SNAP application process. You are not required to complete a SNAP Pre-Screen or gather documents before applying for SNAP benefits.

1 Check Eligibility

Answering a few short questions will let you know if your household might be eligible for benefits. Complete the questions based on your current household information. You will need to be as accurate as possible, however estimates are allowed.

2 Gather Documents

As part of the SNAP application process, you will be asked to provide documents to verify important information like your identity, residency, income, expenses, etc.

You can contact your local county office for more details about what documents to submit with your application.

After you apply, your caseworker may request additional information to work your case.

Here is a list of documents you can provide to verify your identity, residency, income, expenses, etc.

  • Driver’s license
  • Work or school ID
  • Work badge
  • Health insurance ID
  • ID for another assistance program
  • Voter registration card
  • Birth certificates
  • Draft cards or military ID
  • Medicare Card
  • United States Passport
  • Rent or lease receipt from the landlord
  • Utility bills (gas, electric, water, etc.)
  • Telephone bill
  • Property tax statement/tax receipt
  • Home owner’s insurance policy
  • Mortgage payment book
  • Documents showing home address
  • Check Stubs
  • Statement from employer
  • Benefit award letter from Social Security, SSI, Veterans Administration, Unemployment Compensation, etc.
  • Business records for self-employed
  • Lay off or termination notice
  • IRS 1040 Form – for self-employment
  • Records of income received from child support
  • Checking or savings account(s)
  • Current bank statements including balances
  • CDs, stocks and/or bonds
  • Current rent, lease or mortgage documents
  • Current receipts/statements including amount of rent and/or utility expense
  • Statement from landlord
  • Current property tax statement
  • Insurance on property
  • Statement from US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Social Security Card for each member of the household
  • An official document containing the Social Security Number
  • Social Security Award Letter
  • SSS form for newborns
  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage licenses
  • Insurance policies
  • Wills

Childcare or daycare receipts or statements from provider

Statement from a licensed physician or medical personnel in a public health or outpatient clinic

  • Sold or Transferred
  • Deeds
  • Sale or transfer papers
  • Wills
  • Court orders
  • Deeds or other documents by which the trust was established
  • INS 1-151 Alien Registration Receipt Card
  • 1-551 Re-entry Permit; 1-94 Arrival-Departure Record
  • Bills/receipts showing unreimbursed cost of care from medical providers
  • Pharmacy printout of monthly prescriptions/copayments
  • Social Security benefits verification statement to show Medicare and Medicaid Premiums
  • Receipts with out-of-pocket cost listed for medical supplies and equipment such as eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc.
  • Records of transportation costs including mileage for medical treatment or services

3 Apply

Once you’re ready, you can apply for SNAP online:

Or you can contact your local MDHS office for an application. Find your local county office below:

County Offices

    4 Complete an Interview

    After you submit your application, an MDHS case worker will review the information you provided and schedule an interview appointment (if required).

    You will receive notices (letters) by mail and/or email letting you know the day and time of your interview appointment.

    During your interview, you will be informed of SNAP program rights and responsibilities. You may also be asked to submit additional information to determine the amount of SNAP benefits you are eligible to receive.

    5 Return Any Additional Needed Information

    If your caseworker asks you to submit additional information, send the information in as soon as possible.

    You can return information to your caseworker in several ways, including online, by email, in-person, by mail, and by fax. The contact information for your county office will be on notices (letters) you receive from your caseworker.

    You can upload requested information online here:

    6 Receive Approval / Denial Notice (Letter)

    Once your caseworker has completed his or her review of your application and required documents, you will receive a notice (letter) letting you know whether your case is approved or denied.

    If you complete all the requirements of the application process (any required interview, submitting information on time, etc.), you will receive a decision about your eligibility for SNAP benefits no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the day your application was received by MDHS.

    Expedited services are allowed for families in immediate need. This includes:

    • Households with less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid resources (like cash, savings, etc.) of $100 or less;
    • Migrant or seasonal farmworker households who are destitute and have liquid resources (like cash, savings, etc.) of $100 or less; and
    • Households whose combined monthly gross income and liquid resources (like cash, savings, etc.) are less than the household’s monthly rent or mortgage payment and utility expenses.

    If you complete all the requirements of the application process (any required interview, submitting information on time, etc.), and you are eligible for expedited benefits, you will receive your benefits no later than seven (7) calendar days after your application was received by MDHS. 

    If you are approved for SNAP benefits, you’ll use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card to make purchases with your SNAP benefits. Your caseworker will order an EBT card for you if you need one and you will receive it in the mail.

    7 Comply with Program Requirements

    If you are approved to receive EBT benefits, you will need to comply with all program requirements.

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    Contact Us

    Economic Assistance Eligibility Client Services

    Need help with your SNAP or TANF case? Call our EAE Client Services team at 800-948-3050.

    County Offices