Can you get SNAP without a Social Security Number?
No, you typically need a Social Security Number to get SNAP benefits ( food stamps), but you don't necessarily have to have one when you apply. If you're waiting for your SSN or have applied for one but haven't received it yet, you may still qualify for benefits.
Remember, on your SNAP application, you only have to provide Social Security Numbers for household members who will be receiving SNAP benefits.
If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, like a child or other relative, you need to share their Social Security Number, not yours. Your state agency can’t require you to provide one.
Here’s what you should know about applying for SNAP without a Social Security Number (and how to get one if you need benefits).
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How to apply for SNAP without a Social Security Number#how-to-apply-for-snap-without-a-social-security-number
There are some situations in which you may be able to apply for SNAP without a Social Security Number. Like if you:
- Already applied for a Social Security Number and can show proof (like a receipt from the Social Security office)
- Are waiting for documents you need in order to get your Social Security Number (like a replacement birth certificate)
In some states, like New York, you may need to show "good cause" for not having a Social Security Number yet when you apply for SNAP. Good cause just means your Social Security Number application is delayed for reasons outside of your control.
For example, you might have good cause if the Social Security office won't accept your application because you're waiting for a replacement copy of a lost birth certificate.
If you show proof that you applied for a Social Security Number, that meets the requirement while you wait.
If you are eligible for SNAP but don’t have a Social Security Number, discuss your situation with your eligibility worker during your SNAP interview—they’ll walk you through your options.
What happens if you can’t provide a Social Security Number for SNAP?#what-happens-if-you-cant-provide-a-social-security-number-for-snap
If you can't provide a Social Security Number or proof that you applied for one, you probably won't be able to get SNAP benefits. But the rest of your household can still apply and get benefits without you.
The state will treat you as an ineligible household member when calculating benefits for your family.
Once you get your Social Security Number (or show proof you applied for one) you can be added to your household's SNAP case and your total benefits will increase.
SNAP eligibility for non-citizens#snap-eligibility-for-non-citizens
Certain groups of non-citizens may qualify for SNAP if they meet income limits and other eligibility rules, including:
- Naturalized U.S. citizens
- Refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of trafficking or domestic violence
- Special immigrant visa holders
- Certain Native Americans born outside the U.S.
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet specific requirements
Getting a Social Security Number as a non-citizen#getting-a-social-security-number-as-a-non-citizen
Generally, only non-citizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can apply for an original Social Security Number.
- If you have work permission: You'll need to show your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in your unexpired passport that shows you're allowed to work. Some workers also need to show their I-766 work permit.
- If you're a student: F-1 students who can work on campus need a letter from their school that identifies them, confirms their student status, and identifies their employer and type of work. You'll also need proof of employment, like a recent pay slip or employer letter. J-1 students need a letter from their sponsor on letterhead with an original signature authorizing employment.
- If you need an SSN for benefits but can't work: You may apply for an SSN with a letter on a government letterhead that identifies you, cites the law requiring an SSN for SNAP enrollment, confirms you meet all requirements for SNAP except having the number, and includes an agency contact name and phone number. Your SNAP office can help you with these steps.
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Do you have to enter your Social Security Number to sign up for Propel?#do-you-have-to-enter-your-social-security-number-to-sign-up-for-propel
It depends on your state. Some places require you to provide your Social Security when logging into the state EBT portal for the first time, which means you’ll also have to enter it when you sign up for Propel.
It can be nerve-racking to enter your Social Security Number, but it’s very safe. Propel does not store Social Security Numbers, EBT card PINs, or full EBT card numbers, and no one else will be able to see your Social Security Number.
Propel is firmly committed to protecting user data, and all data sent between the Propel app and your state EBT portals is encrypted, end-to-end.
