Manage My Benefit
What happens after I’m approved?
Once you are approved for SNAP, you will get your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. Your monthly benefit will be loaded on this card. You can check the Monthly EBT benefit schedule to see what day your benefit will be loaded to your card every month. You will also be able to get help with employment and job training through the SkillUP Program at no cost to you.
How long will I get help?
You can get SNAP benefits for as long as you are eligible for help. You will be required to complete a mid-certification and a recertification – (Espanol) each year you get SNAP to make sure your household is still eligible. If you do not return your information by the deadline on the form, you may lose your benefits.
- Your mid-certification will happen halfway through your benefit period. We will send you a form in the mail that must be completely filled out, signed, and all pages returned to the Family Support Division by the deadline so you do not lose your benefits. You must complete this form even if you do not have any changes.
- Around the end of your SNAP benefit period, you will get a recertification packet in the mail. You will need to complete this, return it to the Family Support Division, and complete an interview to continue getting SNAP benefits.
NOTE: It is important that you report any changes (Espanol) to your contact information, including your address, so you will get these important letters in the mail. If you do not respond to mail from the FSD, you could lose your benefit.
How do I use my EBT Card?
You can use your EBT card in any grocery store or retail location in the United States that displays the Quest Mark® logo or online at approved locations. Your EBT card will work much like a debit card, and you will have a PIN number you will need to enter. It is important that you keep your EBT card and PIN number safe and secure (Español) at all times.
You cannot use your SNAP benefits to buy:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods or foods prepared to be immediately eaten
- Vitamins, medicine, supplements
- Non-food items such as paper products, soap, or pet food
Can I replace food lost in a disaster?
If you lose food purchased with your EBT card due to a power outage caused by weather, ice storm, fire, flood, tornado or other household misfortune outside your control, you may request a SNAP benefit replacement. To report a loss and begin the process of receiving replacement benefits, you must complete and submit an Online Replacement Request within 10 days of the event. You may also print the Replacement Request Form and submit it by fax (573) 526-9400 or mail to your local FSD office.
NOTE: Electricity being disconnected by the power company due to non-payment of the utility bill is NOT considered a household misfortune/disaster.
