The Propel Guide To EBT/Family Card or NAP/PAN In Puerto Rico

NAP or PAN (Programa de Asistencia Nutricional)—sometimes called SNAP, food stamps or just EBT—can be an essential tool for low-income households in Puerto Rico to afford groceries every month.

NAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each Puerto Rico manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal process, and customer service details can be different than in other places.

Here’s what to know about EBT and NAP benefits in Puerto Rico.

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How does NAP work in Puerto Rico?#how-does-nap-work-in-puerto-rico

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, NAP provides monthly support through an EBT card, also known as a Family Card in Puerto Rico. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at any stores that accept food stamps. About 1.42 million people in Puerto Rico receive NAP benefits.

After you apply, the NAP office may contact you for an interview and ask for documents to confirm details like your income and household size. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

Apply

How to apply for food stamps in Puerto Rico#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-puerto-rico

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Puerto Rico.

Apply for NAP online

You can apply through the official state NAP website below.

Apply for NAP by phone or in person

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

• Call the Puerto Rico NAP hotline: 1-787-289-7600
• Apply in person at a county or local benefits office

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

What you’ll need to apply for NAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-nap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for:

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

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

Eligibility

Who is eligible for NAP in Puerto Rico?#who-is-eligible-for-nap-in-puerto-rico

NAP 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 NAP if:

• Your household income and resources are at or below territory limits
• You are a resident of Puerto Rico
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are NAP deposits issued in Puerto Rico?#when-are-nap-deposits-issued-in-puerto-rico

NAP benefits are sent out once per month in Puerto Rico from the 4th to the 22nd. Your exact deposit date depends on the last digit of your head of household’s Social Security Number (SSN). For example, people with Social Security Numbers ending in 0 get benefits on the 4th, and people with Social Security Numbers ending in 1 get benefits on the 6th.

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

Renewals

How do I renew my food stamps in Puerto Rico?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-puerto-rico

NAP 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 Puerto Rico must renew their NAP benefits every year.

Your NAP office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. 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 ADSEF Digital account
• 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 Puerto Rico NAP hotline: 1-787-289-7600

What can I buy with EBT in Puerto Rico?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-puerto-rico

Under federal NAP rules, you can use your Family Card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

NAP‑eligible foods in Puerto Rico 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 NAP in Puerto Rico:

• 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 NAP 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 Family Cards accepted in Puerto Rico?#where-are-family-cards-accepted-in-puerto-rico

You can use your Family Card at:

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

What NAP changes do I need to report?#what-nap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report any changes to your NAP case that could affect your benefit amounts.

In Puerto Rico, most changes can be reported during your regular NAP recertification or renewal, but some changes must be reported sooner to help avoid delays or issues with your benefits.

Changes you should report within 30 days:

• Income changes: If you get a new job, lose your jobs, or change your work hours
• Starting or stopping other benefits: Changes to unemployment, Social Security, pensions, or similar payments
• Household changes: Someone moving in or out or a baby arrives

How to report changes

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

• Use your state's online benefits portal
• Call your local NAP office
• Call your caseworker

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

Card security

How do I report a lost or stolen Family Card in Puerto Rico?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-family-card-in-puerto-rico

If your Family 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 1-877-467-4832
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my Family Card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-family-card

Your Family Card will get you an additional 4% of your monthly NAP benefit amount to spend at certified participating Family Market venues (Mercados Familiares) through the Family Markets Program. You must use these extra benefits within a 180-day period or else they’ll expire.

Beyond groceries, your EBT card can get you discounted or free admission to museums, 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 NAP benefits at restaurants in Puerto Rico?#can-i-use-my-nap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-puerto-rico

No, in Puerto Rico, you cannot use NAP benefits to buy hot, prepared food or to eat at restaurants.

While some states have a Restaurant Meals Program that allows people who are elderly, disabled, or those experiencing homelessness to use their benefits at fast food places and other restaurants, Puerto Rico does not participate in this program.

You can only use your NAP benefits 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 a NAP caseworker. 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 Puerto Rico Family Card outside of Puerto Rico?#can-i-use-my-puerto-rico-family-card-outside-of-puerto-rico

No, you can’t use your Family Card or spend your NAP benefits outside of Puerto Rico because NAP is separate from SNAP, the food benefits program operated in the 50 U.S. states.

What other benefits are available to me in Puerto Rico?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-puerto-rico

The Puerto Rico Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (Administración de Desarrollo Socioeconómico de la Familia or ADSEF) runs several programs for low-income households, including:

• Food Distribution Program: Food packages for people with little to no income
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Cash assistance, called Cash EBT, and workforce training opportunities
• Energy Subsidy Program (LIHEAP): One-time payment toward your utility bills for each winter heating and summer cooling season–crisis payments are also available
• Summer EBT (S-EBT): Summer grocery benefits for students participating in the National School Lunch Program (free or reduced-price school meals)