How to Apply for Nutrition Assistance

Whether you are applying for the first time, or renewing your benefits, you may need one or more of the following pieces of information to determine whether you are eligible:

• Proof of citizenship and identity for everyone who is applying for benefits.
• Alien Registration Cards, if there are non-U.S. citizens applying for benefits in your household.
• Social Security numbers for everyone, or proof that a Social Security number has been applied for.
• Proof of relationship, birth certificates may be used
• Name, address & daytime phone number of landlord or neighbor.
• A statement verifying your address and the names of everyone living with you. The statement must be made by a non-relative who doesn’t live with you. It must be signed, dated and include that person's address and telephone number.
• Proof of ALL money your household received from any source last month and this month.
• Proof that your employment ended and last date paid.
• Bank or credit union (savings or checking) complete statement for the most recent month.
• Proof of savings bonds, securities, retirement plans and life insurance.
• Proof of rent/mortgage
• Proof of utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc.) for the most recent month and a statement about how you heat or cool your home. 
• Proof of child care expenses for the most recent month. Provide a statement if you take your child to or from the provider’s location.
• Proof of medical expenses for those applying for benefits who are age 60 or older or receive disability benefits when the total amount for the household is more than $35.00.
• Proof of legal obligation and payments of court ordered child support paid this month and last month.

When possible, please include this information with your application.

You may need to complete an eligibility interview by phone. We strongly recommend that you have income information, ID, Social Security numbers, and Citizenship verification at the interview. During your interview, we will review your information in determine if you qualify for the program. At the end of your interview, we will let you know when we need any additional information to decide your case. We will also send you a letter asking for this information.

At the end of your interview, we will let you know if we need any additional information to decide your case. We will also send you a letter asking for this information.

Some program requirements may be difficult or dangerous for victims or survivors of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or stalking, and their families. Speak with your DES eligibility specialist, to determine whether you may be exempt from these requirements. Your DES eligibility specialist can also give you information on sexual and domestic violence related resources that are available in your community. We will keep all information you provide private, as required by law.