Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

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Food stamps allow Nevada state residents to get help paying for groceries through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The SNAP program is funded by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is administered in Nevada by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) under the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

NV SNAP food stamps are designed to help supplement the cost of purchasing groceries so that low-income households can purchase nutritious, healthy foods. To qualify for food stamps, an applicant’s entire household must meet the income requirements, and applicants must also meet citizenship and work requirements. The sections below go over Nevada eligibility requirements, applying for the program and what benefits someone can get. To learn more about the program, download our free guide.

Learn About Nevada Food Stamps Requirements

Nevada residents should research the food stamps eligibility guidelines before submitting an application. In general, applicants should meet the income, citizenship, asset and work requirements in order to receive benefits.

In order to meet the pre-determined SNAP eligibility guidelines, you must meet the appropriate income requirements. In general, this means that a household cannot have a total gross income (earnings before taxes are deducted) of more than 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) or a net income (earnings after taxes and deductions) of more than 100 percent of the FPL.

For example, a household of three cannot qualify with a monthly gross income of more than $2,495 or a monthly net income of $1,920. Along with the SNAP income guidelines, a household generally cannot have more than $2,750 in cash and savings.

The state calculates deductions to an applicant’s income for certain expenses, such as medical and excess household expenses. Therefore, the best way to find out if your household meets the income requirement is to submit an application.

Along with income requirements, you must also meet the Nevada food stamp qualifications regarding assets. A family should have no more than $2,750 in assets, which includes all checking accounts, savings accounts and some trust funds and investments. You can leave out the value of one car and one property in your total assets. However, additional cars or properties are included. For households with a disabled or elderly member, assets should total no more than $4,250.

Citizens and some non-citizens who are eligible for a Social Security number (SSN) can apply for benefits as well. However, non-qualified immigrants and undocumented immigrants cannot meet the SNAP eligibility guidelines. A household is not automatically denied benefits if a member is undocumented or non-qualified. However, the benefits will not include funding for the unqualified household member.

There are also time limits on how long someone can remain in SNAP. According to SNAP eligibility guidelines, individuals can only remain on SNAP for seven years. However, many individuals are eligible for exemptions that allow them to remain in the program indefinitely.

How to Apply for Food Stamps in Nevada

Nevada residents can apply for food stamps online through the Access Nevada online portal. They can also submit a paper NV food stamp application if they prefer to do so. Regardless of the method chosen, applicants must complete the application completely and accurately in order to receive benefits. The application will ask for the name, date of birth, SSN and other identifying information of each household member.

In addition, those attempting to apply for food stamps in Nevada must carefully answer information about who contributes to groceries and meals, how much is spent in household expenses and whether any individuals receive other benefits. Applicants who spend more than 50 percent of their income on household expenses such as utilities may qualify for additional help and deductions.

Other expenses that may be deducted from a household’s income include child support payments, daycare costs and medical costs for disabled or elderly individuals. In some cases, a household may automatically qualify for SNAP if everyone in the house already qualifies for other benefits.

The NV food stamp application also requires information about all sources of income, including both earned and unearned income. For example, child support payments or alimony should be included, along with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or disability payments. To learn more about how to apply for SNAP, download our free guide.

After submitting a food stamp application, individuals must schedule a face-to-face meeting to complete the process and apply for SNAP. At this face-to-face meeting, individuals must provide the necessary documentation and identification to confirm the details of their applications. You must also provide permission and contact details so the DWSS can confirm the details of your application. For instance, you may need to provide contact information for your landlord and previous employers. Once the DWSS has confirmed the information on an application, an individual must wait to see whether the DWSS decides to issue benefits or not.

Learn About SNAP Benefits in Nevada

If you are approved for SNAP benefits in Nevada, you will receive an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. This card is loaded monthly with your food stamp benefits and acts like a debit card when you visit the grocery store or farmers market. You can only use it to purchase grocery items. You cannot use it to purchase:

  • Pet food.
  • Alcohol or cigarettes.
  • Hot meals.
  • Made-to-order foods.
  • Household supplies.
  • Cosmetics.
  • Vitamins or supplements.

You can only use your EBT card to purchase groceries you can cook at home, such as fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, dairy products, grains, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and seeds or plants that provide food.

How much you receive in SNAP food benefits depends on your income and household makeup. Some households may receive just over $100 a month, while others may receive $500 or more. The Nevada DWSS will determine what you are eligible for. It is up to you to budget your benefits appropriately based on your need.

You must have your EBT card on you to access food stamp benefits. When you receive a card, you must set a personal identification number (PIN) code so that only you or another authorized user can make purchases with it. If you lose your card, you can request another one through a state helpline. Once a card is reported missing, it is deactivated and you cannot access your benefits until you receive your replacement card. You can also call the helpline to find out how much you have left in benefits for the month and when you will receive your next deposit.

Contact Information

Name: Department of Health and Human Services

Phone Number: (775) 684-4000

Address: 4126 Technology Way, Suite 100, Carson City, Nevada 89706-2009

Director: Richard Whitley

Last Updated: February 24, 2023

Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide