What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families. In Florida, SNAP is administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SNAP benefits in Florida, you must meet certain requirements:

Residency and Citizenship

• You must be a Florida resident
• You must be a U.S. citizen or have qualified immigration status

Income Limits

Your household's income must be under certain limits to qualify for SNAP. These limits are based on your household size and are updated annually.

Note: Households with elderly or disabled members may have different eligibility requirements and may qualify with higher income levels.

Work Requirements

Most able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between the ages of 18 and 49 must work or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours per month to receive SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 36-month period.

Exemptions to this requirement include:

• People who are physically or mentally unable to work
• Pregnant women
• Parents or other household members responsible for a dependent child
• People already exempt from general SNAP work requirements

Required Documentation

When applying for SNAP benefits, you may need to provide the following documents:

Identity and Citizenship

• Birth certificate
• Driver's license
• Voter registration card
• School records
• U.S. passport
• Social Security card or proof of application

Immigration Status (if applicable)

• Immigration papers/forms/cards (copy of both sides)
• Certificate of naturalization
• Other proof from immigration (USCIS)

Residence

• Driver's license
• Check stub
• Rent or mortgage receipt
• Utility bill

Income Verification

• Dated check stubs for the last 30 days
• Statement from employer
• Copy of last year's tax return
• Benefit checks or award letters (for other income)

Resources

• Bank statements showing savings and checking accounts
• Mortgage statements
• Life insurance policies
• Statements of stocks, bonds, or certificates of deposit (CDs)

How to Apply

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Florida through several methods:

After You Apply

After submitting your application, the following steps will occur:

1. Interview: You will be required to complete an interview, which can be done by phone or in person.
2. Verification: DCF will verify the information provided in your application.
3. Decision: You will receive a notice of eligibility determination within 30 days of your application date.
4. EBT Card: If approved, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail, which works like a debit card for purchasing eligible food items.