Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Yes, if you authorize someone to act on your behalf. It can be a friend, relative, person with power of attorney, or person appointed by the courts. You need to provide information about this person on your application. This person will then be approved as your authorized representative. They can then contact your worker, attend interviews for you, complete forms, provide document, file appeals and receive your food benefits to help keep track of it.

If you cannot go to your county office for an interview, you can either:

• Request to be interviewed over the phone
• Have your authorized representative attend the interview for you.

It depends on your situation. Some people must complete a Combined Six-Month Report form and an annual recertification form to keep getting SNAP benefits. Some people must complete a monthly Household Report form. Your worker can tell you what you will need to do. Be sure you complete and return any paperwork that you get from your county office.

Any food for the household, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables;
• Meat, poultry, and fish;
• Dairy products;
• Breads and cereals;
• Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and
• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

Households cannot use their EBT card to buy: 

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
• Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
• Foods that are hot at the point of sale
• Any nonfood items such as:
  • Pet foods
  • Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
  • Hygiene items, cosmetics

For more information, visit the What Can SNAP Buy? page on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.

If you are eligible for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits, you are most likely eligible for these benefits as well. You can use your WIC benefits to buy approved staples, such as eggs, milk and cheese, and your SNAP benefits to fill in the gaps.

SNAP rules require applicants to verify their identity to receive program benefits. Though a valid state‐issued ID is a common document used to prove identity, you can also use:

• A birth certificate
• An ID card for health benefits or another assistance program
• A school or work ID card
• Paycheck stubs containing applicant's name

You may own or buy a home and still receive SNAP. The home you live in and its lot are not counted as assets.

Yes, if you meet income limits and all other program rules.

Yes, if you meet all program rules. Anyone who needs help paying for food can apply.

There is no time limit for SNAP. When Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) runs out, your county can help you continue to get SNAP. Your worker may contact you for more information. If you do not want to keep getting SNAP, tell your worker.

MFIP benefits provide cash and food benefits to eligible families. Most families on MFIP receive a food portion as part of their MFIP benefits.