Public Benefits: Food Stamps
by: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)
What do I need to know about Food Stamps?
The purpose of food stamps is to provide eligible households with an opportunity to obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their food budget. It is sometimes assumed that you must be on welfare to receive food stamps. This is simply not true. Of the 23 million people that receive food stamps, many are employed.
How do I know if I qualify for food stamps?
You need to meet certain income guidelines and resource limits. The only way to be sure if you qualify is to go to your local Office of Public Assistance and apply for food stamps. Go to the following Web site to see the current income and resource limits: http://www.dphhs.state.mt.us/services/programs_available/foodstamp_overview.htm.
Where can I get an application for food stamps?
- At your local Office of Public Assistance. Call 1-800-332-2272 to find your local Office of Public Assistance. You can ask the worker to mail an application for food stamps to you.
- Print the application form at: http://vhsp.dphhs.state.mt.us/hcs250v3.pdf.
If you are unable to go to the food stamp office, you may have another person, called an authorized representative, apply on your behalf.
Where do I turn in my completed application for food stamps?
Return the application to your local Office of Public Assistance as soon as possible.
It can take up to thirty days for your food stamps to start. The sooner the application is turned in, the sooner you will receive food stamps.
If you are eligible for expedited service, which means you can get food stamps faster, the food stamp worker will tell you of your special situation.
What do I do if I feel I have been a victim of discrimination?
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy, the Office of Public Assistance is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Under the Food Stamp Act and USDA policy, discrimination is prohibited also on the basis of religion or political beliefs.
To file a complaint of discrimination, contact USDA or HHS. Write: USDA
Director, Office of Civil Rights
Room 326-W, Whitten Building
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).
Write: HHS Director
Office for Civil Rights, Room 506-F
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington D.C. 20201
or call (202) 619-0403 (voice) or (202) 619-3257 (TDD).
What happens after I turn in my application for food stamps?
When you turn in your application for food stamps, the OPA will assign you a caseworker and will schedule you a time to come in for an interview.
Ask the worker what you need for your interview. Things will go better and faster if you are prepared for the interview.
What if I cannot go to the OPA to have an interview?
If you cannot go to the OPA to have an interview you can request a telephone interview, a home visit interview, or you can authorize someone to interview on your behalf.
If you need special arrangements made for an interview, you must schedule them when your application is turned in.
Do I have to work while I am on food stamps?
If you are an able bodied adult between the ages of 16 and 59, you will be required to register for work to obtain food stamps with certain exceptions.
In most cases, you will have to work at least 20 hours a week. If you fall below 20 hours a week, you must report that change to your caseworker.
What happens if my income increases while I am receiving food stamps?
If your income increases while you are receiving food stamps, you should report the change to your caseworker. Your benefits will only be reduced if your income goes over a certain level.
To protect yourself from being charged with an overpayment, you should report any increase in income to your caseworker.
What is an overpayment?
An overpayment occurs when you receive benefits for which you are not eligible.
If the OPA caseworker is at fault for issuing an overpayment, or if you accidentally overlooked needed information, you will most likely still be charged. In this case, you will be charged 10% of your monthly benefits, or $10, whichever is greater, until the amount is paid back.
If you intentionally lied about important information, you could be disqualified from receiving food stamps, and you will also be charged with an overpayment.
Every person has the right to apply for food stamps. If you are denied this right, you should request a fair hearing. If you feel that you were denied food stamp benefits for the wrong reason(s), you should request a fair hearing.
You can also refer to Montana Legal Services Association's brochure on "Resolving Disputes About Your Public Benefits."
Revised 11/04
Call the MLSA HelpLine for legal assistance:
(800) 666-6899
Montana Legal Services Association
616 Helena Avenue, Suite 100
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 442-9830
(800) 666-6124
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