How To Apply For Food Stamps In Mississippi

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 Mississippi Quest Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in Mississippi. If you have additional questions or concerns about the Mississippi SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the Mississippi Department of Human Services for assistance.

Do I Qualify For Mississippi SNAP Benefits?
Those who qualify for SNAP include, persons who:

• Work for low wages.
• Are unemployed or work part-time.
• Receive TANF, SSI or other assistance payments.
• Are elderly or disabled and live on a small income.

How Can I Determine If I Am Eligible?
Use of a SNAP pre-screening tool, available through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), does not determine a household's eligibility for SNAP, but can be used to give you an idea of how eligibility is determined. Access the SNAP pre-screening tool.

How Do I Apply For Mississippi Food Stamps?
Applications for SNAP benefits are available online (English) and (Spanish), or you may request an application by phone, in person, by fax, or by mail from your county office. Complete as much of your application as you can. Your name, address, and signature are necessary on the application for it to be accepted on the same day it is turned in, even if there is no interview on that day. Only one adult household member or authorized representative may sign the application for SNAP benefits under penalty of perjury.

When your application has been turned in, the local county office will set up an interview to review your application. At the time of your interview, bring verification of your income and expenses. If you cannot get all the information together by your interview date, come for the interview because you will have additional time to provide this information. If you need assistance in obtaining this information, please discuss this with your caseworker at the time of the interview. The following are examples of what to bring:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, etc.)
• Social Security Numbers for all household members.
• If employed, proof of income (wage stubs, earning statements, etc.) for the four weeks prior to your interview or last filed tax return if self-employed.
• Proof of residency (utility bills, rent/mortgage payments, lot rent, taxes)

After the interview and collection of needed information for eligibility determination, the worker will send your household a notice. If your household does not qualify for SNAP, a notice will be provided giving the reasons for ineligibility. If your household is determined to be eligible, the notice will provide the monthly benefit amount and length of the certification period. As soon as all necessary information is provided and verified for eligibility, you will be able to receive your SNAP benefits within 30 days of your dated application.