The Florida Department of Children and Families oversees administration of the food stamp program.
Food stamps help families with low incomes supplement their food budget. In Florida, the Department of Children and Families oversees distribution of food stamps. Before getting access to this program, applicants must meet a variety of qualifying criteria. The number of people in a household and the family's income after allowable deductions such as rent and utilities will determine the monthly benefit amount. You must live in Florida and be a United States citizen or a legal alien.
Instructions
1. Take the Public Assistance Pre-Screeing Tool for Public Assistance, available on the DCF website. This program will ask a series of questions to determine if your household qualifies for food stamps in Florida. It is not required, but will help you determine eligibility before going through the process of applying.
In Florida, you can only qualify for food stamps if your gross income does not exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty line and your net income--income after allowable expenses--does not exceed 100 percent of the federal poverty line. The acceptable income limits will depend on household size and households that have a member 60 or older or disabled need only meet net income guidelines. In addition to meeting income requirements, households cannot have assets--bank accounts, etc.--exceeding $2,000 or $3,000 for households with disabled members or those 60 and over.
2. Submit an application to the Department of Children and Families. Apply online or in person at a DCF community partner site or customer service center. The DCF website lists locations throughout the state. Once you have completed the application, the DCF office will contact you if it requires more information or verification of anything on your application. According to the DCF, most food stamp applications require an interview. Typically, the office does the interview over the phone and they last about 15 minutes.
It takes about seven to 30 days to receive approval.
3. Follow the activation instructions listed with the EBT card you will receive in the mail upon approval. Once activated, use it as you would an ATM card to pay for food in accepted locations.
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