This flier from the USDA corrects 10 myths about SNAP/Food Stamps and homelessness.
10 Myths and Facts about SNAP/Food Stamps Benefits and the Homeless
- Myth: You must have housing and a mailing address to get SNAP/Food Stamps.
Fact: You can get SNAP/Food Stamps benefits even if you live on the streets and don’t have a mailing address. If you live in a shelter, bring a letter from a shelter employee that says you live there when you apply.
- Myth: People who live in shelters can’t get SNAP/Food Stamps because they already get free meals.
Fact: You can get SNAP/Food Stamp benefits even if you live in a shelter with meals. You can’t be turned down only because you live in a homeless shelter with meals.
- Myth: You must have a place to cook and store food to get SNAP/Food Stamps.
Fact: You can’t be turned down for SNAP/Food Stamps benefits because you don’t have a kitchen or a place to cook.
- Myth: You need a photo ID to get SNAP/Food Stamps.
Fact: You need proof of identity. A photo ID is one way to prove identity. You can’t be turned down for SNAP/Food Stamps benefits because you don’t have photo ID. You can use another ID like a work or school badge, a health benefits card, an ID from another social service, a pay stub, a birth certificate, or a voter registration card. The SNAP/Food Stamps worker can also check your identity by calling shelter workers or employers.
- Myth: You can buy food only at grocery stores.
Fact: Homeless people can use SNAP/Food Stamps benefits at other places. You can use SNAP/Food Stamps benefits to pay for meals at soup kitchens and homeless shelters that are authorized to accept SNAP/Food Stamps benefits.
- Myth: Homeless people can’t use SNAP/Food Stamps at restaurants.
Fact: In some States, homeless people can use SNAP/Food Stamps benefits at certain restaurants. Tell your SNAP/Food Stamps worker if you are homeless and want to use SNAP/Food Stamps benefits at restaurants. You will get a special card to buy meals at restaurants.
- Myth: It is difficult for homeless people to apply and there is no help available.
Fact: SNAP/Food Stamps offices must set up ways to serve homeless people. They can find an authorized representative or mail your benefits to the shelter where you stay. The SNAP/Food Stamps office can’t make you fill out forms every month.
- Myth: Homeless youth have to provide their parent’s income when they apply for SNAP/Food Stamps.
Fact: Homeless young people can apply for SNAP/Food Stamps benefits on their own. Their parent’s income does not count. If you live in a shelter, bring a letter from a shelter employee that says you live there when you apply.
- Myth: You must follow the work requirements to apply for SNAP/Food Stamps.
Fact: Homeless people with no dependents do not need to have a job or look for a job to apply for SNAP/Food Stamps benefits. Once they get SNAP/Food Stamps benefits, they do not have to work for three months. After that, they must register for work, take employment training, attend job fairs, or accept a reasonable job offer to keep SNAP/Food Stamps benefits. This rule doesn’t apply to people with children 6 years old or younger; people with disabilities; and in certain areas in some States. Your SNAP/Food Stamps worker will tell you which work requirements apply to you.
- Myth: SNAP/Food Stamps have to be paid back.
Fact: People who get the right amount of SNAP/Food Stamps benefits do not have to pay them back. Make sure the information you give when you apply is correct. If you get SNAP/Food Stamps benefits based on wrong information, then you will have to pay them back.
SNAP/Food Stamps Make America Stronger.
For more information, call 1-800-221-5689
or go online
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Produced by U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Last updated May 2009
