Arizona Food Stamp Office


Food Stamp Offices Near Me

About Food Stamp Offices

What is a Food Stamp Office?

A Food Stamp Office refers to a state agency that administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Commonly referred to as "Food Stamps" SNAP benefits are a form of nutrition assistance provided to income-eligible households through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). SNAP benefits are intended to reduce food insecurity and poverty by supplementing the food purchasing power of low-income households. SNAP funds are distributed to the states. The states have a measure of flexibility in how they administer the program and target the benefits.

Eligibility for SNAP benefits is largely based on a household's income and assets. Income and asset limits vary based on household size, and are typically less restrictive for households with elderly or disabled members. SNAP requires able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in qualified training or education programs in order to receive benefits. Children, seniors, and the disabled are exempt from the work requirement. A person must be a citizen, or lawfully documented non-citizen, to qualify for SNAP benefits. Households that receive cash benefits from another means-tested program, such as Supplemental Social Security Income, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or General Assistance, automatically qualify for SNAP.

Participating households receive a monthly benefit that may be used to purchase household food items or plants and seeds to grow food. The benefit is provided on an electronic debit card that can be used at supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, and other places selling eligible items. In some states, the same card is used for other cash assistance programs.

In most states, the Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or similar agency administers SNAP. Some states delegate much of the program administration to the counties. The agency administering SNAP is responsible for accepting and processing applications from households, determining eligibility, and distributing the benefits. Applications are accepted at agency field offices, though almost every state also offers the option of applying online. The agencies that administer SNAP typically administer other federal assistance programs, such as TANF and Medicaid, as well as state assistance programs. As a result, these agencies are often able to offer integrated case management services and have developed shared information technology and eligibility systems.