Food stamps are a helpful resource for low-income families. The Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a government-funded initiative, provides financial assistance to those in need by funding certain food and grocery items. The primary goal of the program is to reduce nationwide hunger, support better nutrition and help individuals become self-sufficient. These benefits are distributed on the state level. Wyoming residents who are participating in the program will receive benefits electronically through their Wyoming electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card.
The SNAP program determines eligibility and distribution of benefits through household size and income. Other qualifications may include state citizenship and employment status. Applicants who are interested in the program will need to provide comprehensive information regarding their demographics, income and expenses before they are awarded any assistance. Those who are granted SNAP benefits will need to be aware of the food and grocery items that apply.
Learn About Wyoming Food Stamps Requirements
As previously mentioned, food stamps eligibility requirements are based primarily on household size and overall income. Applicants must be residents of the state of Wyoming and fall under the state’s poverty line. To be eligible for benefits, households must meet both gross and net income requirements. These can be defined respectively as the total income before and after deductions. Many individuals may qualify for deductions based on excess shelter costs and more.
To learn more about SNAP requirements, download our free guide now!
Resources are counted towards overall eligibility. A household’s total bank balance, including checking and saving accounts combined, should not exceed a certain limit. Individuals sharing a household with a person who is at least 60 years of age or with someone who has a disability may still qualify even if they have a higher amount of countable resources. Be sure to check the requirements, as they are updated yearly.
Food stamp qualifications in WY require applicants to comply with work requirements too. Failure to do so could result in program ineligibility. Applicants should be:
- Working or registering for work.
- Maintaining employment – not quitting voluntarily or reducing hours.
- Taking job offers.
- Participating in employment and training programs if mandated by the state.
Additionally, SNAP eligibility guidelines require able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in a work program for a minimum of 20 hours to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. There may be exemptions to this rule for children, seniors, pregnant women or those incapacitated for physical or mental health reasons
Generally, food stamps eligibility is only available to U.S citizens. However, some exemptions may apply to certain legally present non-citizens. In order to qualify, these individuals will need to meet one of the following criteria:
- Have lived in the U.S. for at least five years
- Receive disability-related assistance or benefits
- Be a child under 18
Note: Non-citizens will still need to qualify for all other eligibility requirements in order to receive benefits under the program.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in Wyoming
Applicants can apply for food stamps in Wyoming by downloading the paper application online. They are urged to answer all questions honestly and completely, filling the form out in dark-colored ink. The application will ask for details regarding each household member’s income and citizenship or immigration status.
Those who choose not to print out the food stamp application will need to go to the local Department of Family Services (DFS) field office to receive one. Completed forms can be faxed, mailed or submitted in person to the DFS location. Applicants who apply for food stamps online must verify they are printing the correct form for Wyoming.
Once submitted, the state agency or local SNAP office will begin processing the request. Applicants can expect to receive a notice of eligibility within 30 days. Some individuals can receive SNAP benefits as soon as seven days from their application date if they meet additional requirements.
Learn more about the SNAP application process by reading our free guide today!
An interview may be needed to complete the process. In addition, some information on the application may need to be verified. Applicants should have the necessary documentation ready, such as identification, utility bills and proof of income, during their interview.
Learn About SNAP Benefits in Wyoming
If approved, applicants will receive SNAP benefits through a Wyoming EBT card. Food stamp benefits can be used to buy necessary staple foods, groceries and ingredients. Staple foods, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), can be defined as any food item that can make up a substantial portion of a person’s diet. Staple foods are also typically prepared at home. There are four main categories of food that can be bought with the Wyoming card. These include:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry or fish.
- Dairy products.
- Breads and cereals.
SNAP food benefits allow you to purchase fresh, frozen, refrigerated and packaged foods within these four main categories. Varieties within these staple foods are also accepted, and snacks can be bought as well.
However, there are limitations to these benefits. Households cannot use their benefits card to buy any nonfood items or any of the following:
- Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines or supplements
- Live animals
- Prepared foods
- Hot foods
- Pet food
- Cleaning supplies, paper or other household supplies
- Hygiene items and cosmetics
Contact Information
Name: Wyoming Department of Family Services
Phone Number: (307) 777-7564
Address: Hathaway Building, 2300 Capitol Ave., Third Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Director: Korin Schmidt
Last Updated: February 27, 2023