Transferring Food Stamps From One State to Another
SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) are federally administered, but the program rules vary from state to state. If you are moving to another state, you will need to close your case in the old state and apply for a new one in your new state.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income households buy healthy foods. The USDA oversees the program, but each state is responsible for running it. Most have delegated this responsibility to county governments. SNAP benefits are provided monthly on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that looks like a debit card.
To qualify for SNAP benefits, a household must meet the income requirements set by the state. Some states also have resource limits. These rules differ from state to state but generally include items such as money in checking or savings accounts, retirement account funds, and investment properties.
Whenever you move to another state, you must notify your local SNAP office in order to close your current case. You will then need to file a new application in your new state. When you do this, be prepared to provide verification documents such as a driver’s license, income statements, and immigration status docs, if necessary. If you want to move from one state to another, closing your EBT case in the old state is important before you move. You can do this by contacting the EBT office in your old state and providing a closure letter. This will allow your new state to process your application without a gap in benefits.
Process for Transferring Food Stamps
The process for transferring food stamps from one state to another is similar to the way that other benefits are transferred between states. The old case must be closed in both cases, and a new one must be opened in the new state. In addition, the household must meet the income and registration requirements of the new state to be eligible for the program.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, is a federally-funded program administered by the state. Previously, recipients received their benefits in the form of paper stamps, but now they receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at authorized retailers.
To start the process, you must contact your local SNAP office and ask for an application. You can request a paper application in person, over the phone, or by mail. After you submit your application, you must close out your case in the previous state and provide a closure letter.
