How To Apply For Mississippi Food Stamps

View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in Mississippi. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Mississippi SNAP hotline at 800-948-3050. The department that handles this program is called the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, provides monthly benefits that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. SNAP is a federal program administered on the local level by the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Nationally, SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. SNAP is meant to be a supplement to one's income to help ensure nutritional needs are met. Mississippi residents who face food insecurity are urged to apply for the program. Help is available for those struggling to put food on the table.

Do I qualify for Mississippi food stamps?

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

You can use the the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) online SNAP pre-screening tool to give you an idea of how eligibility is determined.

SNAP Household size and 130% poverty level income

Gross Income: (This is the amount before taxes and deductions are taken out.) Remember to add all income - wages, child support, social security, SSI, unemployment, etc. to compare to the amount on the chart below.

How to apply for Mississippi food stamps

Applications for SNAP benefits are available online (English version - Spanish version), or you can 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.

You may be asked to provide additional information based on your circumstances. 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.

Document Verification for Eligibility Checklist

This checklist gives examples of the information that may have to be verified to determine your eligibility for SNAP and/or TANF. Use this checklist to help you gather the items needed for your interview.

• Identity of person making application and authorized representative, if applicable
• Divorce decree marriage license, death certificate for spouse
• Alien Status for any non-US citizen
• Checking or savings account, or union or bank statement
• Names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and places of employment of the absent parent(s) of your children
• Trust funds
• Medical expenses for anyone age 60 or older or disabled
• Stocks and/or savings bonds
• Social Security number for all individuals
• Proof of where you live
• Property owned, sold, or transferred
• Pregnancy
• Dependent care (child/disabled or aged dependent care)
• Rent and Utility expenses
• Income

If you have any current medical documentation to verify a current medical condition, please bring it to your appointment. At the time of your interview you may be asked to furnish additional information and/or verification, depending on your circumstances. Failure to keep your SNAP application appointment will cause your SNAP application to be denied.