Documents Needed to File for Food Stamps
To apply for food assistance, usually known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you will need to provide proof of income along with other required documents. The following list includes the documents you may need to file:
Proof of Income
- Pay stubs from the past 30 days for earned income.
- For self-employed individuals, a profit and loss statement from the last 12 months.
- For SSI or SSDI recipients, a Social Security award letter.
- Pension or retirement statements.
- Unemployment benefit statements.
- Child support statements.
Other Required Documents
- Proof of identity such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or birth certificate.
- Proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement.
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) for each household member.
- Proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States for non-citizens.
- Proof of disability or medical condition if applicable.
Additional Information
In addition to the documents listed above, you may also need to provide the following information:
- The number of people in your household.
- The amount of money you have in your checking and savings accounts.
- The value of your car and other assets.
Document Submission
You can submit your application and required documents online, by mail, or in person at your local SNAP office. If you are submitting your application by mail, make sure to include copies of all required documents. If you are submitting your application in person, bring the original documents and copies for the SNAP office to keep.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,340 |
| 2 people | $1,827 |
| 3 people | $2,313 |
| 4 people | $2,798 |
| Each additional person | $485 |
Proof of Resources
In addition to proving your identity, residence, and income, you will also need to provide proof of your resources. Resources include anything you own that could be sold for cash, such as a car or a savings account. The value of your resources must be below certain limits in order to qualify for food stamps.
The following are examples of resources that you may need to provide proof of:
- Cash on hand
- Checking and savings accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Real estate (other than your home)
- Vehicles (other than one car per household member)
- Personal property (such as jewelry, artwork, or antiques)
You can provide proof of your resources by providing bank statements, investment statements, or other documents that show the value of your assets.
The table below summarizes the resource limits for food stamps:
| Household Size | Resource Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,500 |
| 2 | $3,750 |
| 3 | $5,000 |
| 4 | $6,250 |
| Each additional household member | $1,250 |
If you have resources above these limits, you may still be eligible for food stamps if you have high expenses, such as medical bills or child care costs.
Proof of Residency
When applying for food stamps, you will need to provide proof of residency in the state where you are applying. This can be done with one of the following documents:
- Current utility bill (gas, electric, water, or phone)
- Current rent receipt or lease agreement
- Mortgage statement
- Property tax bill
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy
- Bank statement showing your address
- Driver’s license or state ID card
- Voter registration card
- School enrollment records for your children
- Day care records for your children
- Medical records showing your address
If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to use a statement from a landlord, employer, or other person who can verify your address. The statement must be signed and dated and must include your name, address, and the date you moved in.
You may also be required to provide proof of your income and assets. This can include pay stubs, bank statements, and investment statements. You may also be required to provide proof of your expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and child care costs.
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Current utility bill | A bill for gas, electric, water, or phone service that shows your name and address. |
| Current rent receipt or lease agreement | A receipt for your rent payment or a copy of your lease agreement that shows your name, address, and the amount of rent you pay. |
| Mortgage statement | A statement from your mortgage company that shows your name, address, and the amount of your mortgage payment. |
| Property tax bill | A bill for your property taxes that shows your name, address, and the amount of taxes you owe. |
| Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy | A copy of your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy that shows your name, address, and the amount of your premium. |
| Bank statement | A statement from your bank that shows your name, address, and the amount of money in your account. |
| Driver’s license or state ID card | A copy of your driver’s license or state ID card that shows your name and address. |
| School enrollment records | A copy of your children’s school enrollment records that show their names, addresses, and the schools they attend. |
| Day care records | A copy of your children’s day care records that show their names, addresses, and the day care they attend. |
| Medical records | A copy of your medical records that show your name, address, and the dates of your medical services. |
Thanks for taking the time to read this article about what you need to file for food stamps. I hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to research more or contact your local food stamp office. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back again soon for more helpful articles and information. Thanks again for reading, and have a great day!