Eligibililty

• Generally, only people with little income are eligible to receive food stamps. To receive these benefits you must pass a means test; you must receive less than a certain amount of income each month and have fewer than a certain number of assets. The income level varies by state; however, if the state requires that the person have only a certain amount of assets, the maximum value of the assets is usually $2,000.
  
  

Benefits

• The amount of benefits you receive depends on two factors: how much income you are receiving, and how many people you are supporting with the food stamps. People who earn less money and support more people receive more vouchers than people with higher incomes and fewer dependents. In addition, people who are elderly or disabled generally receive more benefits than people who are younger and healthier.
  
  

What Food Stamps Buy

• Food stamps can be used to buy all edible products at participating retailers. Stamps cannot be used to buy household products, alcohol, tobacco or medicines. They also ordinarily cannot be used to purchase hot food or food that is meant to be consumed in the store. However, in some areas that lack grocery stores, food stamps can be used to purchase food at certain restaurants. Food stamps cannot be traded for cash or other nonfood items.
  
  

Applying

• To receive food stamps you must first apply, in person, at a state government office. You will generally need to provide documents attesting to your current income, as well as an identification card. Food stamps can be approved on the day you apply, although there may be a delay before you receive a food stamp card. This card works like a debit card, and will be refilled each month on the same day.