How To Apply For Food Stamps In Idaho

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a Idaho Quest Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Idaho. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Idaho SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for assistance.

Idaho Food Stamp Program
The Idaho Food Stamp Program helps low-income families buy the food they need in order to stay healthy. An eligible family receives an Idaho Quest Card, which is used in card scanners at the grocery store. The card uses money from a Food Stamp account set up for the eligible family to pay for food items.

Apply For Food Assistance
You can apply for food assistance with just your name, address, and signature on their Application for Assistance. This gets you started, but they still need you to provide the rest of the information on the application before they can determine if you're eligible to receive food assistance.

Immediate Food Assistance Is Available
If you need food assistance immediately, and are eligible, they can provide benefits within seven days. You must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for the expedited services.

Idaho EBT Eligibility Requirements
In order to receive food assistance, certain eligibility requirements must be met in areas such as, citizenship/immigration status, income, resources, work requirements, and other areas based on your household's circumstances. To find out whether you could be eligible for Food Stamps, check out this pre-screening tool (use only as a guide, not as a final determination). Regardless of the results of the tool, they encourage you to come in to their offices. A quick conversation will help you find out whether you may be eligible.

For most households, resources must be under $5,000 to qualify for Food Stamps. Resources include, but are not limited to, cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real property, household vehicles, and recreational vehicles. Household vehicles might be excluded based on usage and other factors. If you own vehicles that you think may disqualify you, they encourage you to come into their offices and speak with a Self Reliance Specialist to determine if you are eligible.

Food Stamp Amount
The amount of Food Stamps you get (also called benefit amount), depends on a variety of circumstances such as, the number of people in your household, your income, and other factors. Generally, the larger the household size or the lower the income, the higher the benefit amount.

Re-evaluating For Food Stamps
If eligible for Food Stamps, you are required to re-evaluate every so often. When your household is due for re-certification, the Department will notify you and provide you with the information and forms required to complete the process.

How will I receive my Food Stamps?
If you are approved for Food Stamps, you will receive an Idaho Quest EBT Card (typically called the Quest card) with your allotment amount. You will receive information about your card and how to use it.

Is there a time limit to how long I can receive Food Stamps?
No, there is no time limit to how long you can receive Food Stamps. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the program, you may receive food assistance benefits. The two-year time limits that apply to other cash-assistance program do not apply to the Food Stamp program.

What can I do if I disagree with the decision about my application?
You may request what is called a fair hearing process. You may request a hearing within 90 days of the date indicated on the written notice you received that explains the Department's decision about your application. Throughout this process, you may represent yourself, or have an attorney, relative, or friend represent you at your hearing. To request a fair hearing, let the worker know who helped process your application or sent the notice to you.