What Papers Do I Need to Apply for Food Stamps

Applying for food stamps requires proof of identity, residence, income, and expenses. You will need a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID card. You will also need proof of your address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement. You will need to provide information about your income, such as pay stubs or bank statements. You will also need to provide information about your expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and childcare costs. You can apply for food stamps online, by mail, or in person at your local Department of Human Services office.

Income Information

You’ll need to provide information about your income from all sources, including:

• Wages
• Self-employment income
• Social Security benefits
• SSI benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Child support
• Alimony
• Pensions
• Annuities
• Interest income
• Dividend income

You can provide your income information by submitting pay stubs, bank statements, or other official documents.

Asset Information

You’ll also need to provide information about your assets, including:

• Cash on hand
• Money in checking accounts
• Money in savings accounts
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Mutual funds
• Real estate (other than your home)
• Vehicles
• Jewelry
• Antiques
• Collections

You can provide your asset information by submitting bank statements, investment statements, or other official documents.

Proof of Identity

To apply for food stamps, you will need to provide proof of your identity. This can be done with one of the following documents:

• Driver’s license
• State-issued ID card
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Tribal ID card

Proof of Residency

You will also need to provide proof of residency in the state where you are applying. This can be done with one of the following documents:

• Utility bill
• Rent receipt
• Mortgage statement
• Lease agreement
• Bank statement

If you are homeless, you can provide a statement from a shelter or transitional housing program.

In addition to proof of identity and residency, you may also need to provide proof of income, assets, and expenses. The specific documents you will need will vary depending on your circumstances.

You can find more information about the food stamp program and the application process on the website of your state’s Department of Human Services.

Here is a table summarizing the documents you will need to apply for food stamps:

Proof of Disability (if applicable)

If you are applying for food stamps and have a disability, you will need to provide proof of your disability. This can include:

• A letter from your doctor stating that you are disabled and unable to work.
• A copy of your Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letter.
• A copy of your Medicare or Medicaid card.
• A copy of your Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits award letter.

If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to get a statement from a social worker or other professional who is familiar with your disability.

In addition to proof of disability, you will also need to provide proof of your income and assets. This can include:

• Pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Investment statements
• A statement of your Social Security benefits
• A statement of your SSI benefits
• A statement of your VA benefits

You may also need to provide proof of your housing expenses, such as a rent or mortgage statement.

Proof of Identity

You will need to provide proof of your identity. This can be done with a driver’s license, state ID card, or birth certificate. If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to use a school ID card or a utility bill with your name and current address.

Proof of Address

You will also need to provide proof of your address. This can be done with a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a mortgage statement. If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to use a letter from your landlord or a homeless shelter.

Proof of Income

You will need to provide proof of your income. This can be done with pay stubs, tax returns, or Social Security statements. If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to use a letter from your employer or a statement from your bank.

Proof of Expenses

You may also be asked to provide proof of your expenses. This can include rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and child care costs. If you do not have any of these documents, you may be able to write a statement explaining your expenses.

Proof of Student Status (if applicable)

If you are a student, you will need to provide proof of your student status. This can be done with a letter from your school or a copy of your class schedule. If you are not a student, you will need to provide proof that you are not eligible for student aid.

Table of Acceptable Documents