I need to apply for food stamps (SNAP)
Where to apply
- Individuals may apply for SNAP online through the FSSA Benefits Portal.
Individuals who do not have access to a computer or internet can apply at a local DFR office.
- The page says to find your local DFR office.
- To apply for any of the above services, contact the Division of Family Resources office in your county of residence or call 800-403-0864.
What the FSSA Benefits Portal screen says is not confirmed yet. Hours and the street for a local office are not confirmed yet.
Papers to gather
You will be asked to provide the names, dates of birth, and Social Security Numbers for all persons living in your home.
You will need to verify the income and resources of each person in your household.
You will need to provide proof of any court ordered child support paid by a member of your household, and any payments for shelter (rent or mortgage and utility costs).
If a member is disabled or age 60 or over and has out-of-pocket medical expenses that are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance that you are responsible to pay, the page says you will need to provide verification to get a deduction for these expenses.
Any dependent child or adult care costs should also be provided.
There may also be other verification requested, depending on your household's specific situation.
The page says the asset limits are $3,000 for assistance groups that do not contain an elderly or disabled member, and $4,750 for an assistance group that contains a member who is 60 or older or disabled.
The same page also says most households are limited to $5,000 in resources.
The page says assets include bank accounts, cash, real estate, personal property, vehicles, etc.
The page says the household's home and surrounding lot, household goods, personal belongings, and life insurance policies are not counted as assets in the SNAP program.
- The page links SNAP income limits.
Dollar income limits by household size are not confirmed yet. That linked chart was not opened.
The interview
At the interview, the worker will ask questions about household composition, income, resources, and other information needed to determine eligibility.
You will be given or mailed a form listing all needed information with a due date. The information should be received by DFR on or before that date.
You will be mailed a notice regarding your eligibility after your case has been processed and your eligibility has been determined. The notice lists your appeal rights if you do not agree with the decision.
Expedited SNAP
The page says eligible households that are not already certified to receive SNAP, and that will have a monthly gross income of less than $150 AND less than $100 in cash, checking, or savings in the month of application, or that have monthly housing costs that exceed their gross monthly income and cash, checking, or savings for the month of application, will receive benefits within seven days from the date of application.
Other households will receive notification of determination within thirty days from the date of application.
The page says all households, except those with elderly or disabled members, must pass a gross income test (130% of poverty) to qualify for SNAP benefits.
Whether benefits can arrive the same day is not confirmed yet. This card does not decide who is eligible.
Renewal
A renewal date or recertification step is not confirmed yet.
If you disagree
If you disagree with any action affecting your eligibility or benefits, you may file an appeal. Contact the Division of Family Resources either in person, by telephone, or in writing.
The page says an appeal is a request for a fair hearing before a representative of the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings, to decide whether the action proposed or taken by the local Division of Family Resources is correct.
- Or call 800-403-0864.
A day count for filing the appeal is not confirmed yet.
Call 211
- Dial 211.
Indiana 211 connects you with essential community resources, including food.
If you live in Indiana, 211 serves you in all 92 counties.
211 services are available 24 hours, every day, and they are free.
Whether 211 files a SNAP application is not confirmed yet.