SNAP Benefits: How Long Will They Last?
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Nicholas Morine
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP is the largest federal nutrition assistance program, but it’s operated and administered at the state level, and potentially on the chopping block.
Keep reading for a closer look at how long the average person can expect to receive these benefits.
How SNAP Works
SNAP provides low-income households with monthly benefits that can be used to purchase eligible food items, and are especially crucial as food costs skyrocket. To receive SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state where you live. Eligibility requirements also vary by state, but most require recipients to fall below certain income and asset levels. To apply, contact your state’s SNAP agency. You can also fill out an application online or print, mail or fax the SNAP application to your local SNAP office.
Benefits are deposited into SNAP accounts, which are linked to EBT cards and can be used at most grocery stores and approved retailers. At checkout, swipe your card at the card reader like you would with a debit or credit card and enter your PIN. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to buy food online at select retailers using your EBT card.
How Long Benefits Last
Benefit periods for SNAP can range from one month to three years, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), depending on your case and your state’s specific requirements. Once approved, the Food and Nutrition Service will send you a notice of how long you will receive SNAP benefits.Â
SNAP benefits may also expire if you don’t use your EBT card for nine months or longer. To avoid any interruptions in your benefits, the NCOA says you’ll need to periodically recertify to prove your eligibility.
Josephine Nesbit contributed to the reporting for this article.
More From GOBankingRates
