The Propel Guide To EBT In Minnesota

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps or just EBT, can be an essential tool for low-income households in Minnesota to help supplement their grocery budget every month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and SNAP benefits in Minnesota.

Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app

Download

How does SNAP work in Minnesota?#how-does-snap-work-in-minnesota

In Minnesota, about 453,000 people receive SNAP benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, SNAP provides monthly support through an EBT card. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size, income, and expenses. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in Minnesota#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-minnesota

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Minnesota.

Apply for SNAP online

You can apply through the official state SNAP website below.

You can also get help online by filling out this form to connect with a SNAP Specialist.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

• Call the Minnesota SNAP hotline at 1-800-657-3698
• Call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151

Apply in person at a county or local benefits office

SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for information and documents like:

• Proof of identity
• Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
• Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters from SSI, SSDI, or Social Security Retirement
• Housing and utility costs

You do not need every document to start an application; you can submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in Minnesota?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-minnesota

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for SNAP if:

• Your household income is at or below state limits
• You meet work requirements (if it applies to you)
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are SNAP deposits issued in Minnesota?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-minnesota

SNAP benefits are sent out once per month in Minnesota, from the 4th to the 13th. Your exact deposit date is on the same day every month depending on your case number, even on weekends or holidays. For example, if your case number ends in 4, you’ll receive your benefits on the 4th. If your case number ends in 0, you’ll receive your benefits on the 10th.

Need to find your case number? Check your SNAP approval letter sent by your county or log in to your Minnesota ebtEDGE portal to find it under your case details.

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

How do I renew my food stamps in Minnesota?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-minnesota

SNAP benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Most households in Minnesota must complete a Six-month Report every 6 months and a SNAP recertification interview every 12 months. Some individuals are required to report changes more often.

Your SNAP office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to complete your renewal. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

How to renew

You can usually renew:

• Online through your MNbenefits portal
• By phone
• By mail or in person

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or the Minnesota SNAP hotline: 1-800-657-3698

What can I buy with EBT in Minnesota?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-minnesota

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your EBT card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

SNAP‑eligible foods in Minnesota include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and candy
• Seeds and plants that grow food
• Drinks like juice, water, and energy drinks
• Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
• Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in Minnesota:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
• Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies and household items
• Diapers and wipes
• Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF, which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

Where are EBT cards accepted in Minnesota?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-minnesota

You can use your EBT card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers

What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In Minnesota, most SNAP households only need to report changes during Six-month Reporting or your regular SNAP recertification. These cases are called Six-month Reporters.

However, Six-month Reporters are still required to report major changes to SNAP by the 10th of the month after the change (for example if the change happened in March, you must report it by April 10).

Six-month Reporters should report these changes by the 10th:

• Income goes over the limit: If your household’s gross monthly income exceeds 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL) for your household size
• Work hours drop: If a household member who is subject to work requirements drops below 80 hours per month of work or qualifying activities
• Lottery or gambling winnings: If someone in the household wins $4,500 or more from the lottery or by gambling

You can wait to report all other changes at your next Six-month Report check-in or recertification.

Some households, called “Change Reporters,” must report a broader range of changes to SNAP within 10 days. You may be a Change Reporter and need to follow more frequent change reporting if:

• All members of your household are experiencing homelessness
• All members are in the migrant work stream
• All members live on American Indian reservations
• Any household member is a seasonal farmworker
• All adult members are age 60 or older or have a certified disability and have no earned income

Change Reporters should report the following within 10 days:

• If someone in your household changes jobs or losses their job and your income changes
• If your household income changes by more than $125
• If your household moves to a new address
• If housing / shelter costs like rent change
• If child support payments (received or owed) change
• If someone on your SNAP case moves into or out of your household
• If someone in the household who is subject to work requirements drops below 80 hours per month of work or qualifying activities
• If someone in the household starts receiving funds through Advance Child Tax Credit payments, Social Security, Unemployment, TANF, or other cash benefit programs
• If someone in the household wins $4,500 or more from the lottery or by gambling

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your SNAP office or your caseworker is the safest option.

How to report changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

• Call your local benefits office
• Call your caseworker
• Fill out a SNAP Change Report Form and send it by mail to your local benefits office or upload documents to your MNbenefits portal

You may be asked to provide proof of your changes.

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in Minnesota?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-minnesota

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

• Call the Minnesota EBT customer service phone number at 1-888-997-2227
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes, your EBT card can get you more than just groceries. With an EBT card, you can get discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

Can I use my SNAP benefits at restaurants in Minnesota?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-minnesota

No, in Minnesota, you generally cannot use SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared food or to eat at restaurants.

While some states have a " Restaurant Meals Program" for the elderly, disabled, or those experiencing homelessness, Minnesota does not participate in this program.

You can only use your EBT card at authorized retailers (like grocery stores and farmers markets) for food items intended to be prepared and eaten at home.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your county. More household members mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Can I use my Minnesota EBT card in another state?#can-i-use-my-minnesota-ebt-card-in-another-state

Yes, your EBT card works in all 50 states, as well as most U.S. territories, at any store

displaying the Quest® symbol or EBT/SNAP/food stamps accepted sign.

Keep in mind that while your card will work nationwide, some states have restrictions that may prevent you from using SNAP benefits to buy items like soda or candy at local stores.

Using your card exclusively outside of Minnesota for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your SNAP agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your Minnesota case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

When do unused food stamps expire in Minnesota?#when-do-unused-food-stamps-expire-in-minnesota

SNAP benefits in Minnesota expire if they are not used for 274 days. If you have benefits that expire they will be removed from your account and can’t be replaced.

Can undocumented immigrants get food stamps in Minnesota?#can-undocumented-immigrants-get-food-stamps-in-minnesota

No. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP benefits. However, some people who aren’t U.S. citizens may qualify for SNAP benefits, including people who have worked in the U.S. for a certain number of years or have specific immigration statuses, like refugees.

Individuals in mixed-immigrant status households may apply and qualify separately. The county office by law can not report any illegal immigrant status to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

What other benefits are available to me in Minnesota?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-minnesota

In addition to SNAP, you may qualify for other programs that help cover basic needs, including:

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) for cash assistance, called Cash EBT and workforce training opportunities
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for nutrition and breast feeding support among other benefits
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) for free or reduced price school meals for children and Summer EBT for cash food assistance during non-school months
• Medicaid (Medical Assistance) for free or low-cost healthcare or discounts for private health plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace
• Child care assistance programs like Head Start and other free or low cost childcare options
• Energy or utility assistance programs like LIHEAP
• Housing support programs like like Section 8 housing vouchers and emergency assistance

The best way to find out what you qualify for is to apply through your MNbenefits portal or talk to a local caseworker.