Current SNAP Recipients

Couple shopping for groceries

Information to help you understand your SNAP benefits, follow program rules, and report problems.

Take a look at the resources below for support with your current SNAP benefits.

Using SNAP to Buy Food

How can I make purchases with my SNAP benefits?

SNAP recipients use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to make purchases. You’ll scan your card at the check out just like a debit or credit card. You can also use your EBT card to make online purchases.

If you are receiving SNAP benefits for the first time, or if you need a new EBT card, your caseworker will order one for you. It will arrive in the mail 7-10 days after it is ordered. 

What day of the month will my SNAP benefits be issued?

The day of the month that you will receive your SNAP benefits depends on the last two digits of your SNAP case number. Use the table below to find your benefit availability date.

Last Two Digits of your Case NumberAvailable Date each Month
00-044th
05-105th
11-166th
17-227th
23-288th
29-349th
35-4010th
41-4611th
47-5212th
53-5813th
59-6414th
65-6915th
70-7416th
75-7917th
80-8418th
85-8919th
90-9420th
95-9921st

Where can I make purchases with my SNAP benefits?

You can use SNAP benefits at any retailer where you see the Quest® logo.

  • Grocery stores and supermarkets
  • Superstores that sell groceries
  • Convenience stores / corner stores
  • Farmers markets
  • Local food co-ops
  • Pharmacies 
  • Gas stations
  • Specialty stores

You can find retailers that accept SNAP in your area using the US Department of Agriculture’s SNAP Retailer Locator map.

You can also use SNAP benefits online at certain retailers. You can find the most up-to-date list of online retailers accepting SNAP benefits from Mississippi SNAP recipients on the USDA “Stores Accepting SNAP Online” page.

What foods can I purchase with SNAP benefits?

Take a look at the lists below to learn about foods that you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits.

You can use SNAP benefits to purchase eligible foods including:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Dairy Products
  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Snack foods
  • Seeds and plants which produce food to eat
  • Authorized prepared meals (communal dining facilities for elderly or disabled/SSI; DAA treatment centers; GLAs; shelters for battered women and children; authorized meal delivery services; authorized providers of meals for the homeless)

SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase ineligible foods and non-food products including:

  • Alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and liquor
  • Cigarettes and tobacco
  • Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
  • Energy drinks classified by the FDA as supplements (have a supplement facts label rather than a nutrition facts label)
  • Foods that are hot at the point of sale
  • Pet food
  • Paper products, cleaning supplies, and other household supplies
  • Hygiene items
  • Cosmetics
  • Container deposit fees
  • Live animals (except shellfish or fish removed from water)

Recertification

Your benefits are authorized for a certain period of time. When your benefits are ending, you will receive a notice. Be sure to keep your contact information up to date with your case worker.

The process for renewing benefits is similar to the first application. You will need to complete a new application with up-to-date information. You can complete an application below.

*Please note that creating/setting up an account is not necessary to complete an online application. However, you must create an account to view notices/documents, upload documents, report changes, view benefits, etc. through AccessMS.

Responsibilities and Reporting Requirements

Find information about your rights and responsibilities as a SNAP household on our SNAP Rights and Responsibilities page.

How can I report a SNAP problem or concern?

For questions about your SNAP case, contact your caseworker directly. You can find contact information for your MDHS county office below.

County Offices

    If you still need help, call our EAE Client Services team at 800-948-3050.

    Requesting a Hearing

    If you receive or have applied to receive benefits from MDHS, you can appeal any decision MDHS makes about your case that you think is wrong by requesting an Administrative Hearing.

    Requesting Replacement Benefits

    Current SNAP households that lost food due to a household disaster such as a flood or a weather-related power outage lasting over 6 hours may request a replacement of SNAP benefits.

    Reporting Stolen Benefits

    Have you noticed charges on your EBT card that you don’t recognize? It could be theft due to skimming, card cloning or other similar types of fraud.

    Reporting SNAP Fraud

    You can report fraud in any MDHS program – including SNAP or TANF – committed by a business, individual, or organization by contacting the MDHS Office of Inspector General.

    Friendly customer support person

    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