If you’ve asked these questions, I’ve got answers. Readers ask me every day what food stamps are and how they work. In this tutorial, we’ll be discussing the basics of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as the Food Stamps Program.
What are food stamps?
The food stamps program is designed to help low-income people in America purchase food for their households. It is often referred to as the first line of defense against food insecurity. In certain states, the food stamps program may also go by other names. For example, it is called Calfresh in California and Foodshare in Wisconsin.
These names the nationwide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps.
How do Food Stamp Work?
So how do they work? It’s actually very simple. Once you apply and are approved for the program, you will receive an electronic benefits transfer card also known as an EBT card. The amount of money you receive on your EBT card will vary depending on your income or family size. We have a separate tutorial that can help you figure out how to get more food stamps money every month, by the way.
This card can be used to purchase certain approved items in stores that accept EBT. These items include produce, breads, canned goods, meats and other groceries. As a general rule, you cannot purchase non-food items, nutritional supplements or alcoholic beverages with your EBT card.
When you check out, the EBT card works just like an ordinary debit card. If you purchase eligible and non-eligible items together, you will swipe the EBT card first. It will pay for all the eligible items in your transaction. You will then be left with a remaining balance for anything that was not eligible to be bought on food stamps.
How can you apply?
The next question obviously is, “how can you apply for food stamps?” You will need to apply with your state’s Department of Health and Human Services. Depending on what state you live in, your agency may have a slightly different name. On our website we have a list of all the food stamps offices in every state so that you can quickly apply online.
But wait! There’s more! Once you have an EBT card, you can do a lot more than just buy groceries. Your EBT card can unlock hundreds of discounts and freebies across the country. We’ve got a list of more than 450 freebies and deals that you can get just for having an EBT
card. Be sure to check out our list at our app! If you have any other food stamps questions, be sure to let me know in the comments below.
We are constantly researching food stamps and other programs and we’re always happy to help! While you’re here, be sure to check out our other videos on food stamps! we have a whole playlist full of helpful tips and tricks.