Food Stamps are now issued by way of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). You will receive a Cardinal Card which works at the grocery store like a debit card.

How can a person apply?

You can apply for food stamps at the local department of social services the same day you request an application, however, your interview may be held later. If anyone is applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or General Relief, that application is also considered for food stamps.

If all members have applied for or get SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you can also apply for food stamps at the local Social Security office.

What can be bought with food stamps?

You can use food stamps to buy food or seeds and plants to grow food in your home garden. You cannot use food stamps to buy:

• Alcoholic beverages or tobacco;
• Hot foods ready for immediate consumption or foods to be eaten on the store premises;
• Pet foods;
• Soap or paper products or other non-food items.

You cannot use food stamps to pay back grocery bills.

At the checkout counter tell the casher beforehand that you are using your EBT Cardinal Card. You will need to separate the items you can pay for with food stamps from other items unless the store has an electronic program that does this for you.

If you are homeless, you can use food stamps to buy meals from certain authorized restaurants. You will not be charged sales tax on food items or meals purchased with food stamps.

Work requirements to receive food stamps.

If you are age 18 to 50 and able to work, you may be subject to a work requirement in order to receive food stamps. This requirement would limit the number of months for which you could receive food stamps in a 36 month period. After reaching this limit, you may be able to receive additional months if you complete certain work related requirements. You may be exempt from this work requirement if you are currently working or participating in an approved work program; responsible for the care of a child; pregnant; medically certified as unable to work; meet one of several work registration exemption reasons or live in an exempt locality.

For additional information regarding Food Stamps, please contact Social Services at 757- 437-3200.