What is a SNAP approval letter?
A SNAP approval letter is an official notice from your state’s SNAP office that tells you your application for food stamps has been approved.
It’s sent by mail (and sometimes by email or through your state’s benefits portal) and usually arrives within 30 days of applying for SNAP.
If you qualify for expedited help, it may arrive sooner, within seven days of applying. The letter confirms that your household qualifies for SNAP and tells you when and how you’ll start receiving benefits.
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What’s included in a SNAP approval letter?#whats-included-in-a-snap-approval-letter
Your SNAP approval letter includes important facts about your SNAP case. While every state’s version of the approval letter looks a little different, most of them include:
- Your approval date: The date you were officially approved for SNAP
- Your benefit start date: When your benefits will begin (they often go back to the date you applied)
- How much you’ll get: The total amount of SNAP benefits your household will get deposited each month on your EBT card
- Your certification period: How long your SNAP benefits will last before you need to reapply or renew
- Instructions for using your EBT card: If this is your first time receiving SNAP, the letter usually explains how to activate and use your new EBT card. The approval letter may also include what you can buy with SNAP and how to find stores that take EBT
- Your SNAP case information: Your food stamp case number and contact info for your caseworker or SNAP office
Why is the SNAP approval letter important?#why-is-the-snap-approval-letter-important
Your SNAP approval letter is what lets you know you’ll be getting food stamp benefits.
It contains lots of important information, and it can also be used to show “proof of benefits” when applying for other programs or discounts.
You may be asked for your SNAP approval letter when applying for:
- WIC (if you're pregnant or caring for a child five and under)
- Discounted internet service for SNAP recipients
- Amazon Prime Access, a discounted membership for people who get benefits
- Local food banks or emergency food programs
- Public housing assistance or other income-based programs
That’s why it’s a good idea to save a copy of your approval letter in a safe place.
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What if I didn’t get a SNAP approval letter?#what-if-i-didnt-get-a-snap-approval-letter
If it’s been more than 30 days since you applied for SNAP and you haven’t gotten a letter in the mail, here’s what to do:
- Check your email. Some states send letters electronically through your state benefits portal
- Log in to your state’s SNAP website to see if there’s a status update on your application
- Call your local SNAP office to ask for an update or request a new copy of the letter
