How to report changes to SNAP
If you get SNAP benefits (also called food stamps), you need to report any relevant changes (like a new household member or a change in your income) to your state or county SNAP agency as part of managing your food stamps.
- You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person.
- Reporting changes on time helps make sure you and your family get the right benefit amount and don’t accidentally commit food stamp fraud and lose your benefits.
- The exact rules may be different depending on where you live, but it’s important to know when and how to report changes to SNAP—and which changes to report.
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When do I need to report changes to SNAP?#when-do-i-need-to-report-changes-to-snap
You usually need to report changes to SNAP within 10 days of when the change happens; however, exact rules vary depending on your state.
What types of changes do I need to report to SNAP?#what-types-of-changes-do-i-need-to-report-to-snap
Common changes you may need to report include:
- Getting a new job or losing your job
- A change in income (work hours, pay rate, overtime, lottery winnings)
- Someone moving in or out of your household (including a new baby or other dependents)
- A change in your rent, mortgage, or utilities costs
- Getting or losing benefits like unemployment, Social Security payments, pension, or other benefits
Many states use “simplified reporting” for SNAP. With simplified reporting, you may only need to report income changes above a certain amount or at your regular food stamp recertification (also called SNAP renewal).
If you’re unsure what reporting rules apply to you, you should ask your caseworker or local SNAP office.
How do I report changes to SNAP?#how-do-i-report-changes-to-snap
You can generally report any changes to SNAP online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a local benefits office:
- Online: Many states allow online reporting through your state’s SNAP or benefits portal. This is often the fastest option. You should keep copies or screenshots of anything you submit in case you need proof later
- Phone: You can call your local SNAP office or customer service line and report changes over the phone
- Mail: Many states have a change report form that you can download from your state’s SNAP website or request by mail. Once completed, you can send it to the address listed on the form
- Local benefits office: You can visit a local SNAP or benefits office and report changes in-person. This can be helpful if you have questions or need help submitting documents
What happens after I report a change to SNAP?#what-happens-after-i-report-a-change-to-snap
After you report a change to SNAP, your state will review the information. Their response will depend on what you reported and how it affects your SNAP case.
Some possible next steps include:
- Your state may ask you to provide proof of the changes you reported, like updated pay stubs or a new lease
- Your state may send you a new SNAP letter that lets you know if your SNAP benefit amount went up, down, or stayed the same.
- If your benefit amount is changing, the letter will include when the new amount starts and how long it lasts before you’re due for food stamp recertification
SNAP benefits changes usually do not apply retroactively. This means you won’t receive benefits for time before the change was reported to SNAP. That’s part of why you should always report changes to your state as soon as possible.
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What if I forget to report a change to SNAP?#what-if-i-forget-to-report-a-change-to-snap
If you realize you forgot to report something, you should report the change as soon as possible. Reporting late is usually better than not reporting at all.
If you do forget, you may face consequences like:
- Needing to repay benefits if you got more SNAP benefits than you should have
- In more extreme or serious circumstances, being unable to renew your SNAP case or unable to apply for SNAP in the future
If the change does not affect your SNAP benefit amount, or the change would increase your benefit amount, forgetting is usually not an issue.
It’s best to report changes to SNAP as soon as you have confirmation of the change. This will allow you to protect your benefits and make sure you're getting the right benefit for you and your family.
