What are "emergency SNAP/Food Stamps?"

Emergency SNAP/Food Stamps are also called "expedited" SNAP/Food Stamps. They are SNAP/Food Stamps that are issues more quickly than normal-- they have to be given to you within 7 days after you apply for SNAP/Food Stamps. They are not extra SNAP/Food Stamps—they are just a way to get you your first month's SNAP/Food Stamps faster.

Can I get emergency SNAP/Food Stamps?

You can get emergency SNAP/Food Stamps if your income and savings are low enough.  DTA must screen you to see if you can get them. 

You can get emergency SNAP/Food Stamps if any of the following apply to you:

• you have earned or received less then $150 for the month and you have $100 or less in cash and savings; or

• the cost of your rent or mortgage plus utilities is more than your gross monthly income plus your cash and savings; or

• you are a migrant household with $100 or less in cash and savings.

What do I have to do to get emergency SNAP/Food Stamps?

If your income is low enough to get emergency SNAP/Food Stamps, all you need to do is apply for SNAP/Food Stamps and show an ID. If you do not have any ID, DTA has to call someone (such as a friend, relative, or agency worker) to check your identity. You will have to give DTA other documents later in order to keep getting SNAP/Food Stamps after the first month.

What if I am homeless?

If you are homeless, DTA should process your SNAP/Food Stamps as quickly as possible even if you can not get emergency SNAP/Food Stamps.