What are food stamps and how do they
work?
If you've asked these questions, I've got
answers.
I'm Nicole from Low Income Relief, where
we help millions of people
save money and get free stuff every year.
Readers ask me every day what food
stamps are and how they work.
In this video, we'll be discussing the
basics of the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program,
also known as the Food Stamps Program.
What are food stamps? The food stamps
program is designed to help low-income
people in America purchase food for
their households. It is often referred to as the first
line of defense against food insecurity.
In certain states, the food stamps
program may also go by other names.
For example, it is called Calfresh in
California and Foodshare in Wisconsin. These names
are unique but they all refer to one
program:
the nationwide Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program,
also known as SNAP or food stamps.
So how do they work? It's actually very
simple.
Once you apply and are approved for the
program, you will receive an electronic
benefits transfer card
also known as an EBT card. The amount of
money you receive on your EBT card will
vary depending on your income or family size.
We have a separate video that can help
you figure out how to get more food
stamps money every month, by the way.
This card can be used to purchase
certain approved items in stores that
accept EBT.
These items include produce, breads,
canned goods,
meats and other groceries. 
As a general rule,
you cannot purchase non-food items,
nutritional supplements or alcoholic
beverages with your EBT card.
When you check out, the EBT card works
just like an ordinary debit card.
If you purchase eligible and
non-eligible items together,
you will swipe the EBT card first. It
will pay for all the eligible items in
your transaction.
You will then be left with a remaining
balance for anything that was not
eligible to be bought on food stamps.
How can you apply? The next question
obviously is, "how can you apply for food
stamps?"
You will need to apply with your state's
Department of Health and Human Services.
Depending on what state you live in, your
agency may have a slightly different
name. On our website we have a list of
all the food stamps offices in every
state so that you can quickly apply online.
But wait! There's more! Once you have an
EBT
card, you can do a lot more than just buy
groceries.
Your EBT card can unlock hundreds of
discounts and freebies across the
country. We've got a list of more than 450
freebies and deals
that you can get just for having an EBT
card. Be sure to check out our list at
LowIncomeRelief.com/EBT!
If you have any other food stamps
questions, be sure to let me know in the
comments below.
We are constantly researching food
stamps and other programs and we're
always happy to help!
While you're here, be sure to check out
our other videos on food stamps! we have
a whole playlist full of helpful tips
and tricks.
