Frequently asked questions

• Online at MNbenefits.mn.gov
  

• On paper using the Combined Application Form (PDF) for families and individuals under age 60; individuals and couples who are 60 or older should use the one-page Senior SNAP Application (PDF). Mail or bring the completed form to your local county office.

  The Combined Application Form is also available in:
  

  • Hmong - Combined Application Form (PDF)
  • Russian - Combined Application Form (PDF)
  • Somali - Combined Application Form (PDF)
  • Spanish - Combined Application Form (PDF)
  • Vietnamese - Combined Application Form (PDF)

  After your application is reviewed, you will need to be interviewed and provide information such as your income, assets and housing costs.

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.

• In most cases, your worker must notify you of a decision within 30 days.

• For some emergency situations, you could get benefits within 24 hours, or five working days from the day you file your application.

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.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a nutrition assistance program that helps people with low incomes buy nutritious foods. SNAP is not meant to meet all of your food budget needs. It is a supplement. For more details, you can read and print the SNAP brochure (PDF).

You can use SNAP benefits only to buy food and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat. You cannot use it to buy:

• Any nonfood item, such as pet foods, household supplies like soap and paper products, or grooming items like toothpaste and cosmetics
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
• Vitamins and medicines
• Any food that will be eaten in the store
• Hot foods.

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

You will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that you use like a debit card to spend your SNAP benefits. You can use your card at store that display a poster or sign that read: "We Accept EBT."

Grocery stores and convenience stores must sell a variety of foods to be approved to accept EBT cards. They will display the sign if they can accept EBT. The card may also be used at authorized sites for Meals on Wheels and congregate dining. Many farmers markets also accept EBT.

SNAP recipients can also use their EBT cards to make Scan & Go food purchases at Sam’s Club locations throughout Minnesota. Scan & Go checkout is a new mobile payment service Sam’s Club members can use in-store via their Sam’s Club app. Members simply use their Sam’s Club app to scan items as they shop, pay via the app and then exit the store -- all while skipping the checkout line. 

For more information on using your EBT card, see How to use your Minnesota EBT Card (PDF).

The EBT card looks and works like any other bank debit card, making it hard for people to tell what you are using to pay for your food.

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 is intended to help supplement the food and nutrition needs of people with low incomes. These benefits are for eligible families and individuals of all ages, including children and seniors. Minnesota has an estimated 88,000 seniors who struggle with hunger each year, but fewer than half are enrolled in the program. Currently, more than 500,000 Minnesotans-children, adults, families, seniors-participate in this nutrition assistance program.

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

Household income is the main test for determining who can get SNAP. Things such as the home you live in, retirement and savings accounts and vehicles are not counted.

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

No. SNAP does not recover any benefits paid out using a lien against your home.

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.