What are "emergency food stamps?" 

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

 

Can I get emergency food stamps? 

You can get emergency 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 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 food stamps?

If your income is low enough to get emergency food stamps, all you need to do is apply for 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 food stamps after the first month.

What if I am homeless? 

If you are homeless, DTA should process your food stamps as quickly as possible even if you can not get emergency food stamps.