Getting help with groceries is easier than you think.

You’ll get an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card that looks like a credit or debit card. Every month, it’s filled up with money for you to buy food at places that accept SNAP, such as grocery stores. (You cannot use your card to buy items other than food.)

It depends on your income, expenses and the number of people who live with you. The average monthly benefit amount per person in Minnesota is $109.

Lots of people, including families, seniors, single adults, kids and immigrant groups. You qualify based on the number of people in your house and your household’s total income. This includes money from jobs, self-employment, child support and Social Security income. A specialist in your community can walk you through what income will be counted. Get in touch with a specialist today to get started.

U.S citizens and some people who are not U.S. citizens, including certain immigrants, can get SNAP. If only some people in your household have acceptable immigration status, you can apply for just them. Get in touch with a specialist in your community today to get more details.

The application asks you about everyone who lives with you, your combined income and expenses. You can apply right away, however you will need to share a copy of your ID, income statements, proof of expenses (i.e. housing) and other items before your application can be processed. Connect with a specialist today for help with your application. Specialists are here to make it easy and can tell you exactly what paperwork you need to submit.

After you turn in your application, you will have an interview with a worker from your local county or tribe where you live. The workers will review your application and ask you questions about your situation. They will also let you know the next steps and share other important information.

You’ll usually find out if you are eligible for SNAP within a month. In cases of emergency, you may qualify immediately.

Upon approval, you will receive your EBT card and a letter stating how much money will be put on your card each month. Money not spent during the month will carry over to the next month. You have up to one year to use it.

EBT is accepted at most retailers and stores that sell food and groceries that you take to eat at home. Many farmers markets and farm vendors accept EBT cards. You can even use it to order groceries online with some retailers.

It might! Qualifying for SNAP may also qualify you for:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
• Subsidized housing
• Reduced or zero costs for sports and other after-school activities
• Free and reduced school meal program
• Telephone discount programs
• Child Care Assistance Program
• SNAP Education and other community resources.

Since some people find the application process to be complicated, we strongly suggest working with a specialist. However, you can always apply on your own.

One option is via the online application MNbenefits. You will need to create a user account before you can get started.

Another option is to complete a paper application by downloading the application and mailing it to the county agency or Tribal Nation where you live.