Kansas food stamps help families afford groceries and other food items. This benefit, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is administered at the state level by the Department for Children and Families (DCF). It is important to note that, in Kansas, this benefit is officially referred to as the Food Assistance Program.

Once you apply for benefits, you will receive a plastic card that works like a debit card. Each month, benefits will be loaded onto the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, making it easier to pay for groceries and other food items. Below, learn more about the SNAP program in Kansas and discover how you can qualify and apply for benefits.

Learn About Kansas Food Stamps Requirements

Much of your food stamps eligibility in Kansas is based on your income level. However, factors such as age, disability status, participation in other benefit programs and employment status can affect your eligibility as well.

As an example, you will automatically meet SNAP eligibility if you already receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or other similar programs. Even if you are automatically eligible, note that you still need to submit an application to start receiving food stamps.

The SNAP income guidelines vary depending on your household size. However, certain monthly expenses can be deducted from your income, such as bills relating to child care or basic household costs. Moreover, keep in mind that the total amount of benefits you will receive from the SNAP program depends on your family size and income.

In addition to meeting the food stamp income guidelines, your family must also have a limited amount of resources. These limited resources may include:

• Bank accounts.
• Savings bonds.
• Cash.
• Residences other than the home you live in.

A household can meet the food stamp qualifications if the members residing together meet the income requirements. As such, members of a household do not necessarily need to be related to one another in order to qualify. Generally, a household is considered any people who live together and share food costs.

In any case, SNAP food stamps are only available to U.S. citizens and residents who are in the U.S. legally. Furthermore, you must be a state resident of Kansas in order to receive benefits from the DCF. If you meet the other program requirements but do not reside in KS, you may apply for benefits in your home state instead. To learn more about food stamp requirements, get our free guide.

It is important to understand that you must maintain your food stamps eligibility in Kansas in order to continue receiving these benefits. Your eligibility will be reviewed periodically, meaning that you may lose your benefits if any of your qualifications have changed. For example, an increase in your household income may disqualify you. The recertification process is similar to the reviewing procedures in place for initial applications.

How to Apply for Food Stamps in Kansas

You may apply for food stamps in Kansas by submitting the appropriate form to the DCF online, in person, through the mail or by fax. A food stamp application requires you to enter information about your household members’ income, resources, expenses, disability status, employment information and participation in other benefit programs. Learn more about how to apply for food stamps by downloading our free guide.

Once you apply for SNAP, the DCF will process your case and let you know if you are approved within 30 days. During this 30-day period, you must undergo an interview that aims to verify the information you included on your application. To prepare for it, you must gather proof of your income, expenses and other relevant information.

A benefit interview can either be completed in person at a DCF office or over the phone. If you are a senior or have a disability, you may also be allowed to arrange an in-home visit with a DCF interviewer.

You may be approved for SNAP assistance in less than 30 days if you meet certain requirements, such as having an extremely limited income at the time you submit your case. Keep in mind that, if you need assistance right away, some application methods will allow the DCF to receive your information more quickly. For example, if you apply for food stamps online in Kansas, your form will be received immediately.

Once your benefit period ends, remember that you will need to recertify your eligibility for assistance by undergoing another review. The same types of documents that are required for your initial food stamp application may be necessary to recertify your eligibility. However, you must show the most recent version of these items to verify that you are still eligible to receive benefits at this time.

Learn About SNAP Benefits in Kansas

Under the food stamps program, you will receive funds every month that you can use to buy approved food items. In the past, benefits were distributed through checks or vouchers. Currently, you will receive your funds on a plastic card that looks and works just like a debit card. To use your benefits, you simply have to swipe your card just like you would a credit card.

Kansas SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of foods, as well as seeds and plants that you can grow at home to produce your own food. Examples of approved items include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Protein such as meat, poultry and fish
• Bread and cereal
• Dairy products
• Snacks and beverages

In most cases, you can use your EBT card at grocery stores, farmers’ markets and other places that sell grocery items. However, food stamp benefits cannot be used to buy every type of item at these locations. For example, you are not allowed to use SNAP food benefits to buy household products, alcohol, tobacco or food that is meant to be eaten in the store.

Contact Information

Name: Kansas Department for Children and Families

Phone Number: (785) 368-8120

Address: 555 S Kansas Ave., 4th Floor, Topeka, KS 66603

Deputy Secretary: Tanya Keys

Last Updated: February 27, 2023