What documents do you need to apply for SNAP?
Table of contents
When you apply for food stamps (also called SNAP), you’ll need to provide documents in order to get approved for benefits. That will include:
- A valid ID
- A valid Social Security Number
- Proof of where you live, like a lease or utility bill
- Proof of both earned and unearned income (meaning wages and any other benefits you receive)
- Proof of resources
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status (for non-citizens)
- Proof of student status (for college students)
Learn more about what the specific documents you’ll need in order to apply and qualify for SNAP.
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A valid ID#a-valid-id
You must be able to prove who you are to apply for SNAP. A valid ID should include your legal name and birth date. That can include a:
- Driver’s license
- Photo ID card
- Passport
- Military ID
- Adoption records
- Birth certificate
Depending on the specifics of your household, you may also have to provide proof of identity for any children or infants in your care. Remember that expired licenses and IDs don’t qualify.
A valid Social Security Number#a-valid-social-security-number
If you don’t have a copy of your Social Security card to include in your SNAP application, a social worker may be able to look up your Social Security Number if you provide a valid photo ID that includes your date of birth.
Proof of residency (where you live)#proof-of-residency-where-you-live
In your SNAP application, you’ll need to share proof of where you live. Proof of residence can include a:
- Current rental agreement or lease
- Letter from your landlord verifying residency and monthly rent
- Current mortgage statement
- Utility bill with your address on it
Proof of earned and unearned income#proof-of-earned-and-unearned-income
Your household income is one of the most important considerations for getting SNAP. You’ll need documents that show exactly how much money your household makes each month, from both wages and other types of benefits.
That means sharing:
- Paystubs for the last 30 days
- An unemployment letter
- Court order (or letter) that confirms child support
- Income tax return (if you’re self-employed)
- Social Security benefits
- Pension benefits
Remember, sources of monthly income must include everyone in the household who makes money, not just the person filling out the SNAP application.
Proof of "resources on hand"#proof-of-resources-on-hand
This term can sound confusing but it basically means your current savings plus certain valuable things you own. So you’ll need to show:
- Bank statements that include balances for all checking and savings accounts
- Stock or bond certificates
- Proof of ownership of any recreational or vacation properties
- Proof of ownership of boats that aren’t used for work or regular transportation
- Proof of ownership of vacation homes or mobile homes (only if they aren’t your primary residence)
Proof of citizenship or immigration status#proof-of-citizenship-or-immigration-status
You need to show proof you’re a U.S. citizen, and if you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide proof of your qualifying immigration status. That might include:
- A birth certificate
- Military records
- A U.S. Passport
- Naturalization certificate
- A U.S. permanent resident card or Green card
Proof of student status#proof-of-student-status
College students can qualify for SNAP, but you must be enrolled at least half time in a higher education program (meaning a college, university, trade or technical school). You’ll need to prove this by showing:
- Proof of enrollment and student status
- Documentation of any exemptions (like proof of your work-study participation or childcare responsibilities)
Other documents for SNAP#other-documents-for-snap
Depending on your case, you may need to show additional documents (or showing these additional documents may help you get approved for more benefits). Those may include:
- Phone and utility costs
- Medical expenses for anyone in your household over 60 or disabled
- Childcare or adult care costs
- Any child support paid by a person in your household
What if I don’t have all the documents I need to apply for SNAP?#what-if-i-dont-have-all-the-documents-i-need-to-apply-for-snap
If you don’t submit all the required documents during the SNAP application process, someone from your state office will contact you, letting you know what else you need to send.
They can walk you through what documents you need to send to complete the process. If you don’t send the required documents in time after you’ve been notified, your SNAP application will be cancelled and you’ll have to start over from the beginning.
