The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low incomes buy food. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, and you have a new dependent, like a baby, or a child who has come to live with you, you’ll need to let SNAP know so you can get more benefits. This guide will walk you through how to add a dependent to your SNAP case, making sure you get the help you need to feed your family. Let’s get started!
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
Figuring out who counts as a dependent is the first step. Generally, a dependent is someone who relies on you for financial support, and lives with you. This typically includes your children, but it can also include other relatives, like a younger sibling you’re the legal guardian of. Make sure you understand the specific rules in your state as the requirements can vary slightly.
To be considered a dependent, the person usually must live with you. They also need to be financially dependent on you. This usually means you’re providing them with food, shelter, and other necessities. This can sometimes get tricky with shared custody situations, so always check with your local SNAP office.
Here are some examples of who often qualifies as a dependent:
- Your biological children
- Your adopted children
- Foster children (if you are the foster parent)
- Stepchildren
- Other relatives you are legally responsible for
Keep in mind that each state might have its own specific criteria, so it’s really important to check with your local SNAP office or website to get the precise rules for your area. The best way is to ask.
Contacting Your Local SNAP Office
The most important thing is to contact your local SNAP office as soon as possible after the new dependent starts living with you. You can usually find their contact information online by searching for “[Your State] SNAP” or “[Your County] SNAP.” They’ll be able to give you the exact process for your area.
There are usually several ways to contact them. You might be able to call them, visit the office in person, or even submit the information online. Some offices also have a designated caseworker assigned to your case. This will vary by location.
When you contact them, you will want to have your case number ready. This will help them quickly find your existing SNAP case and update it with the new dependent. Also, prepare to provide some information about the dependent, like their name, date of birth, and social security number.
- Gather your SNAP case number.
- Find the contact information for your local SNAP office.
- Decide how you want to contact them (phone, in person, online).
- Have all the necessary information about the dependent ready.
Gathering Required Documents
The SNAP office will likely require some documents to verify that the person is indeed your dependent. The exact documents needed will vary by state, so again, checking with your local office is crucial. However, there are some common documents that are often requested. Having these ready will make the process smoother and faster.
One of the most common documents is proof of the dependent’s relationship to you. This could be a birth certificate, adoption papers, or legal guardianship paperwork. You might also need proof of their residence, such as a lease agreement or a utility bill with your name and the dependent’s address on it.
Additionally, you might need to provide documentation of the dependent’s income and assets, if they have any. This is to help determine if they are eligible for SNAP benefits. If they are not working or have no income, this may not be necessary. Always check for the latest requirements.
- Birth Certificate or other Proof of Relationship.
- Proof of Residency (e.g., lease, utility bill).
- Social Security Card.
- Proof of Income (if applicable).
Completing the Required Forms
Once you’ve contacted SNAP and provided the basic information, they’ll probably need you to fill out some forms. These forms help the SNAP office gather all the necessary details to add your new dependent to your case. The forms may be available online, or they may be sent to you.
These forms will ask for information about your dependent. They will ask about their relationship to you, their living situation, and any income or resources they have. It’s important to fill out these forms accurately and completely to avoid delays in the process.
Be prepared to provide the dependent’s full name, date of birth, and social security number. You’ll also likely need to list their address and the date they began living with you. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and answer all questions honestly.
If you are unsure about how to fill out a specific question, it’s always best to ask for help! You can contact the SNAP office, or an organization that helps with SNAP applications, to guide you. The table below shows what to expect when filling out the forms.
| Information Needed | Example |
|---|---|
| Dependent’s Full Name | Jane Doe |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 2010 |
| Social Security Number | XXX-XX-XXXX |
| Address | 123 Main Street |
Submitting Your Application
After you have gathered the documents and completed the forms, you need to submit your application to the SNAP office. How you submit the application will depend on the process in your area. It could be done online, in person, by mail, or by fax.
If you are submitting it online, make sure to save all the files and documents you upload. If you’re submitting by mail, make copies of all documents before sending them. You’ll want to keep them for your records.
Make sure you submit everything together. Missing documents will cause delays. The quicker you submit everything, the quicker they can process your application. You may want to ask for confirmation of receipt, if possible.
- Double-check to make sure all forms are complete.
- Make copies of everything for your records.
- Submit the application and all required documents through the designated method.
- Ask for confirmation of receipt if possible.
Waiting for a Decision and Possible Follow-Up
After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for SNAP to review your information and make a decision. The amount of time it takes to process your application can vary. Keep in mind that the wait time can depend on the office’s current workload and how complete your application was.
During this time, the SNAP office might contact you for more information or to schedule an interview. Be sure to respond to any requests for information promptly to avoid delays in processing your application. They might have questions for you.
If you are approved, your SNAP benefits will likely increase to reflect the addition of your dependent. You will receive a notification about the change. If you’re denied, you’ll also receive a letter explaining why. Be sure to read the decision letter carefully.
If you are approved, then you should start receiving more benefits each month. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. You can contact the SNAP office or a legal aid organization for help with an appeal.
Conclusion
Adding a dependent to your SNAP case can seem like a lot of work, but it’s an important process to ensure you have enough food for your family. By following these steps, from contacting your local SNAP office to gathering necessary documents and submitting your application, you can successfully add your dependent and receive the appropriate benefits. Remember to always double-check with your local SNAP office for specific requirements in your area, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Good luck!