Food stamp recertification: Everything you need to know
Table of contents
Everyone who gets SNAP (also called food stamps) needs to recertify them periodically in order to keep getting deposits.
If you don’t complete recertification before your current benefits expire, you may stop getting SNAP deposits altogether and need to start the application process over from scratch.
Depending on your specific situation, you may need to recertify your benefits every six to twelve months, or every couple of years.
It’s usually a simple process, and you should receive a SNAP recertification packet with an application and instructions when it’s time for you to recertify.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
What is food stamp recertification?#what-is-food-stamp-recertification
Food stamp recertification is just the process required to keep getting your SNAP benefits.
It’s basically just a check in to make sure you still qualify for benefits and your needs haven’t changed (some people may need more than what they’re currently receiving).
Recertification is faster and easier than initially applying for food stamps: Your state agency will send instructions, but generally you need to complete a recertification form, attend a recertification interview, and provide any required documents.
When do I need to apply for food stamp recertification?#when-do-i-need-to-apply-for-food-stamp-recertification
You need to apply for food stamp recertification before your “active” or “certifications” period is up—that’s just the amount of time you were initially approved for benefits.
Your active period was set out in your initial SNAP approval letter, and it varies, but for many people it’s between six and 24 months.
If you no longer have your food stamp approval letter, visit your state’s online portal or reach out to your local benefits office.
But you’ll also know when it’s time to recertify because you’ll likely receive a recertification package with a notification that your benefits are ending, along with information about how to complete recertification.
What is a food stamp recertification package?#what-is-a-food-stamp-recertification-package
State agencies are required to send you a Notice of Expiration at least a month before your benefits expire. Depending on your state, the notice may come even earlier, up to six months before your benefits expire.
This Notice of Expiration may come in the mail with a recertification package that goes over the steps you need to take to recertify your benefits and continue getting your SNAP deposits.
The food stamp recertification package may include:
- The expiration date of your current benefits, and the latest date you can apply for food stamp recertification
- An application for food stamp recertification (to be filled out online or mailed in)
- A recertification interview appointment letter
- A list of the documents you’ll need to recertify
If you don’t apply for food stamp recertification in time, your SNAP benefits could expire or lapse. While recertification does take a little time, it is easier completely reapplying from the beginning in the event that you let your benefits end.
How do I apply for food stamp recertification?#how-do-i-apply-for-food-stamp-recertification
While specific guidelines vary by state, here’s what you’ll probably have to do to recertify your SNAP benefits:
1. Complete the recertification form #1-complete-the-recertification-form
The food stamp recertification form or application was likely included in your recertification package. While the application will vary by state, it will involve sharing household information.
Some states allow you to fill this form out online, while others will require applicants to mail it in or bring it to their benefits office.Read the application carefully to avoid making simple mistakes that could hold up the recertification process.
2. Attend a recertification interview#2-attend-a-recertification-interview
According to the USDA, all recertification interviews must take place, at a minimum 11 days before benefits expire. The purpose of the recertification interview is to verify that the information you shared in the recertification application is accurate.
Some states might not schedule your recertification interview until after you’ve sent in your recertification application, while others will automatically schedule it when sending out the recertification package.
And some states consider the interview to be a recertification application, and don’t require a separate online or paper application for approval.
If you didn’t get an interview date in your recertification package, you may need to call your SNAP office to schedule one. Remember, failure to attend or schedule a recertification interview can delay or jeopardize the renewal of benefits.
3. Share any additional information post-interview#3-share-any-additional-information-post-interview
Depending on how the interview goes, your local SNAP office might ask for additional information before recertifying—like proof of income changes or living expenses. Provide this follow-up documentation as soon as possible to avoid any delays in recertification.
4. Approval or denial#4-approval-or-denial
If your recertification is approved, your EBT card will be reloaded next month and you’ll keep getting benefits as usual (in some situations, you may receive a new EBT card in the mail). If you are not approved for food stamp recertification, you can appeal the ruling.
What information do you need to recertify food stamps?#what-information-do-you-need-to-recertify-food-stamps
Food stamp recertification may require documents like:
- Government approved ID, including, a license, passport, or Social Security card
- Information about all your household members
- Proof of income or wages
- Proof of any additional income, including Social Security benefits, pension, or disability payments
- Proof of residency
- Immigration status documentation
Can I recertify for food stamps online?#can-i-recertify-for-food-stamps-online
Yes, some states allow you to apply for food stamp recertification online. Check any recertification information you received by mail or email, or call your state’s SNAP phone number to find out what the process is.
How long does food stamp recertification take?#how-long-does-food-stamp-recertification-take
Food stamp recertification approval should happen within two weeks of completing the application process, if not sooner.
Sending in the recertification application as soon as possible and appearing for the scheduled recertification interview will help move the process along.
Recertifying food stamps if you’re over 60#recertifying-food-stamps-if-youre-over-60
If you are over 60 and receiving SNAP benefits, you might have a shorter recertification process . At least 23 US states have adopted the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), which means:
- A streamlined verification process
- Longer SNAP approval periods
- No food stamp recertification interview required
States with ESAP include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- New York
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
In the states without ESAP, people over 60 receiving food stamp benefits will have to apply for recertification the same way as everyone else.
What if I miss the food stamp recertification deadline?#what-if-i-miss-the-food-stamp-recertification-deadline
If you don’t get a chance to apply for food stamp recertification before your benefits expire, most states offer a 30-day window to reapply.
After the 30-day window, you may need to start the food stamp application process over again from the beginning, and your deposits will likely stop while you wait to qualify again.
Balance your grocery budget and get access to deals with Propel
Why do I need to apply for food stamp recertification?#why-do-i-need-to-apply-for-food-stamp-recertification
The food stamp recertification process is required by federal law—it helps make sure that people are getting the right amount of benefits.
Recertifying on a regular cycle gives local benefits offices a chance to review changes in your financial status or size of household, which can affect eligibility or deposit amounts.
And food stamp recertification helps prevent EBT fraud or abuse by verifying the status of benefits holders.
