SNAP Approval Notice — What It Means & What to Do

What This Letter Means

Congratulations! You've been approved for SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps). This means you now have an official benefit that will help you buy food for your household.

Your approval letter includes:

Your monthly benefit amount (total SNAP funds you can use each month)
Your household size (as verified by the state)
Your benefit start date
Your recertification date (when you need to reapply)

What to Expect Next

Your EBT Card Will Arrive Soon ▼

Timeline: You should receive your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card in 5–10 business days via mail.

Setting Your PIN: When you get the card, you'll need to set a 4-digit PIN. Call the number on the back of the card to activate it and set your PIN. You can also set it at the ATM.

Benefits Load Automatically: Your monthly benefit amount loads onto the card automatically on the same day each month (usually the 1st through 20th of the month, depending on your state).

What You Can Buy With Your EBT Card ▼

You CAN buy:

Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food

You CANNOT buy:

Hot/prepared foods (food from the deli counter)
Alcohol or tobacco
Non-food items (soap, diapers, toiletries)
Vitamins and medicines
Fast food or restaurant meals

Action Steps You Need to Take

Note Your Benefit Amount — This is on the approval letter. Know how much you have each month.
Expect Your EBT Card in 5–10 Days — It will arrive by mail. If you don't receive it, call the number on your approval letter.
Activate Your Card and Set Your PIN — Call the number on the back or visit an ATM.
Check Your Balance — You can check your balance online, by phone, or at any ATM.
Mark Your Recertification Date — Put it on your calendar. You'll need to reapply before that date or your benefits will stop.
Report All Deductible Expenses to Maximize Your Benefit — This is crucial (see Dr. Ed's Insider Tip below).

Understanding Your Benefit Amount

Your SNAP benefit is based on your household size and gross monthly income. The state also considers:

Housing costs (rent or mortgage)
Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
Childcare expenses
Medical expenses (if you're elderly or disabled)
Work-related expenses

These deductions lower your "net income," which means a higher SNAP benefit.

About Recertification

Your approval is not permanent. Every 12 months (or sooner in some states), you'll need to recertify. This means:

Reapply for SNAP
Provide updated income and expense information
Report any changes in household size or income

Mark the recertification date on your calendar NOW. If you don't recertify on time, your benefits will stop.

💡 Dr. Ed's Insider Tip

Report ALL deductible expenses — shelter, utilities, childcare, medical (if elderly/disabled). Many people get less SNAP than they're entitled to because they didn't report expenses. The Standard Utility Allowance alone can increase benefits by $50–150/month.

Here's what many people miss: When you applied for SNAP, you may have listed only your income. But SNAP also allows deductions for:

Shelter costs: Rent, mortgage, property tax, insurance, repair costs
Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, trash, phone (many states have a Standard Utility Allowance of $40–80/month)
Childcare: Daycare, before/after school care, summer camps (while you work)
Medical expenses: If you're elderly or disabled, unreimbursed medical costs (doctor visits, prescriptions, transportation)
Work expenses: Uniforms, tools, transportation to work

Each deduction reduces your countable income, which increases your SNAP benefit. If you didn't report these when you applied, call your caseworker now and ask to update your expenses. Your benefit may increase.

If Something Is Wrong

Your approval letter should state the reason you were approved and the benefit amount. If you disagree with:

The benefit amount (too low)
Your household size (incorrect number of people)
Your income amount (they have the wrong figure)

Contact your caseworker immediately and request a correction. Ask for a written explanation of how they calculated your benefit.

SNAP FAQ

Can I use my SNAP benefits at farmers markets or online? ▼

Many states now allow SNAP/EBT at farmers markets and online retailers (Amazon Fresh, Instacart). Check with your state agency or visit your local farmers market — many have EBT readers.

What happens if my household income changes? ▼

You should report changes immediately (new job, job loss, income increase). Contact your caseworker. Your benefit may go up or down. Some states have reporting requirements; if you don't report, it could be considered fraud.

Can I get more SNAP if I move? ▼

Not automatically. But if you move to a different state, you may need to reapply in the new state. If you move within your state, contact your caseworker to update your address and report any change in housing costs.

What if I have unused SNAP at the end of the month? ▼

Unused benefits roll over to the next month. You don't lose them. They accumulate until you use them or a year has passed (most states allow 12 months of benefits to accumulate).