Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Program info

SNAP, formerly know as Food Stamps, helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. It is not intended to meet all of your household's food needs. It is a supplement.

If you are approved for SNAP, you can use your benefits at many stores, farmers markets and senior dining sites.

Eligibility

Income and assets
SNAP eligibility depends on your household's income. Most types of income are counted. There are many deductions from income that are allowed under SNAP. A county worker can give you more information on income limits and deductions.

Households with an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline that have also received the Domestic Violence Information Brochure (PDF) will not have an asset limit for determining benefits. You can print the brochure from the link provided or ask for it at your county or tribal office. Then, just tell your county worker that you have received the brochure.

Self-screening tool
This screening tool (PDF) asks a few questions to help you find out if you may qualify for SNAP. The screening tool only estimates your eligibility. The only way to know for sure if you qualify is to complete the application process.

The screening tool is also available in:

• Hmong - screening tool (PDF)
• Russian - screening tool (PDF)
• Somali - screening tool (PDF)
• Spanish - screening tool (PDF)

Expedited SNAP services
You may receive food benefits quickly if your household meets one of the following criteria, even if you had SNAP in another state during the month of application:

• Households with monthly gross income less than $150 and liquid assets less than $100
• Migrant or seasonal farmworker households that have low income and $100 or less in liquid assets
• Households in which the combined monthly gross income and liquid assets are less than their monthly housing costs and the applicable standard utility deduction, if applicable.

Benefits

The amount of benefits you get is based on your income, expenses and the number of people in your household. If approved for the program, you will get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. It is like a debit card. Each month, your benefits will be credited to your EBT account.

During the month, you use your card to purchase food at stores that display a poster or sign that reads: "We Accept EBT." Grocery stores and convenience stores must sell a variety of foods to be approved to accept EBT. The card also may be used at authorized sites for Meals on Wheels and congregate dining. Many farmers markets also accept EBT.

Learn more by reading the SNAP FAQs or How to Use your Minnesota EBT Card webpage.

Apply

You can apply:

• Online at mnbenefits.mn.gov.
• On paper using the Combined Application Form (PDF) for families and people under age 60; individuals and couples who are 60 or older should use the one-page Senior SNAP Application (PDF). Mail or bring the completed form to your local county or tribal office.

The Combined Application Form is also available in:

• Hmong - Combined Application Form (PDF)
• Russian - Combined Application Form (PDF)
• Somali - Combined Application Form (PDF)
• Spanish - Combined Application Form (PDF)
• Vietnamese - Combined Application Form (PDF)

When your benefits begin depends on the date the county receives your application through mnbenefits.mn.gov or the first page of the paper application. The county cannot decide if you will get benefits until you complete the entire application and provide required verifications. You will also need to complete an interview with a county worker.

For some emergency situations, you could get benefits within five working days of your application.

Learn more by reading the SNAP FAQs. If you have more questions or need help applying, call your county or tribal office or other SNAP phone lines.