How long is the wait for food stamps?
If you’ve just applied for food stamps, also called SNAP, you should hear back within 30 days—although some cases may qualify for emergency benefits, which arrive faster.
If you’re approved for food stamps, you’ll get a SNAP approval letter in the mail and your new EBT card will arrive in a plain white envelope, loaded with your first deposit.
Whether you’re applying for food stamps for the first time or renewing your benefits, understanding the timeline can help you feel more prepared. Here’s what you need to know.
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How long does it take to get food stamps after applying?#how-long-does-it-take-to-get-food-stamps-after-applying
The timeline for getting food stamps depends on how urgent your situation is and whether you qualify for emergency SNAP benefits or whether your application will be processed on the normal timeline.
1. Standard SNAP timeline#1-standard-snap-timeline
Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days—but sometimes states have administrative delays that can make your food stamp application take a little longer.
SNAP is an entitlement program, so as long as you qualify, you’ll get benefits. Once you’re approved, your state will mail you an EBT card loaded with your first month’s benefits.
Your SNAP approval letter (which will also come in the mail or over email) will confirm how long you’ll get SNAP benefits, your certification period (meaning when you have to renew), and how much money to expect each month.
2. Expedited SNAP benefits (emergency SNAP)#2-expedited-snap-benefits-emergency-snap
You can get SNAP benefits faster, within seven days, if you qualify for emergency or expedited SNAP. You may qualify for faster processing if:
- Your monthly household gross income is less than $150, and you have less than $100 in cash or savings
- Your housing costs (rent or mortgage and utilities) are more than your monthly income and cash or savings on hand
- You’re a migrant or seasonal farm worker with little or no income and have no more than $100 in cash or savings
Not everyone qualifies for expedited processing, but if you do, your state SNAP office is required to get benefits to you within seven days of applying.
How does SNAP work once you’re approved?#how-does-snap-work-once-youre-approved
Once your application is approved, your EBT card will arrive in the mail, usually in a plain white envelope. You'll need to activate your new EBT card and set your EBT PIN.
You will get monthly SNAP deposits automatically added to your card on a regular schedule. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries at eligible stores, either in-person or online.
Remember, you can only use SNAP to buy eligible food items, but there are some surprising things that qualify for EBT, like seeds to grow edible plants or take-and-bake pizza.
To keep track of your EBT balance and get reminders when your deposit hits you can use a trusted app like Propel, which is free to download and use.
You will also need to renew or recertify your SNAP benefits whenever your certification period is up. Keep your contact information up to date with your state SNAP office so you don’t miss important notices about maintaining your benefits.
What if you haven’t heard back about your food stamp application yet?#what-if-you-havent-heard-back-about-your-food-stamp-application-yet
If it’s been more than 30 days and you haven’t received a notice or approval about your application for food stamps, call your local SNAP office to check the status of your application.
They may need more information or documents before making a decision. Make sure your contact information is up to date and check your mail or your state’s benefits portal regularly for any notices from the SNAP office.
