Food Stamps in Florida
by: Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida, Inc.
Food Stamps
A service which provides low income individuals and families the opportunity to buy NUTRITIOUS food, FOOD STAMPS, does not replace a family's food budget rather supplements it.
Food stamps can be used to purchase any food(s) and for plants used to grow foods for preparation and consumption within the household.
You cannot use food stamps to purchase: foods prepared at a deli or restaurant, (including hot foods) sundries, pet food, alcohol, tobacco products or medicines.
Who is eligible?
Food stamps are available to individuals or families who are:
Unemployed;
Retired with a low Social Security or Pension income;
On cash assistance;
Homeless;
Legal Immigrants receiving disability related Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income
Low income with resources not exceeding $2,000.00, if your family contains an individual over the age of 60 the asset limit is $3,000.00
Requirements
In order to receive FOOD STAMPS one must:
Provide proof of Florida Residency;
Be a U.S citizen or a qualified non-citizen;
Provide proof of identification;
Ineligibility
One is not ineligible for FOOD STAMPS if he/she:
Has been convicted of drug trafficking;
Is a fleeing felon;
Is an intentional program violator;
Is an ineligible non citizen
Is a student in an institution of higher learning
Applying for Food Stamps
When applying for food stamps, be sure to provide the following documents:
Identification
Social Security numbers - for every member of the household applying
Proof of citizenship or legal residence
Proof of income
Bank statements
Receipts for expenses such as rent, lease or utility
Be sure to fill out an application form. Forms can be obtained online at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida or you can locate a local food stamp office near you and request food stamp assistance.
Process
Once you have filed your application, it should take up to thirty (30) days before you begin receiving your food stamps.
If you applied for Emergency Food Stamps (Expedited Service) because you have little or no income or assets, you should receive your Food stamps within five (5) days from the date you filed.
As a precaution, keep copies of all documents and forms submitted to the clerk when you file.
Follow up and keep all appointments that have been scheduled with regards to your case and provide any additional documents that have been requested.
If your Food Stamps have been terminated
If you are on food stamps and they have been discontinued, you have the right to continue receiving foods stamps if you file an APPEAL within ten (10) days of the date of the Notice sent by DCF stating that they will terminate or reduce your food stamps.
To file an appeal, put your request for a Fair Hearing Appeal, in writing and keep a copy. Contact your legal aid office for assistance and be sure to provide them with all documents that have been submitted by you or received from DCF.
Last Reviewed On: 03/10/08
FloridaLawHelp.org provides general information only.
This is not legal advice!
You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer. To contact a lawyer, use the FloridaLawHelp.org referral system. FloridaLawHelp.org makes every effort to keep referral information, legal educational materials, and related forms up-to-date and in accordance with Florida and federal law.
FloridaLawHelp.org does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.
FloridaLawHelp.org is administered by Florida Legal Services, Inc. and is produced in cooperation with Pro Bono Net and the legal service organizations and government agencies throughout Florida and the United States.
