Get SNAP fast: Emergency help from expedited food stamps
When money or food runs out, SNAP can move quickly. In partnership with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, every state must offer “expedited” or “emergency” SNAP for households with very little income or resources. If you qualify, the state must make your first month of benefits available no later than the seventh calendar day after you apply. Find how to apply for, and get emergency food stamps in your state, with the contact information below.
If a household meets expedited criteria, the state must make benefits available by day 7 following the application date. That timeline is federal law, not a “suggestion”, and it applies in every state even though program names differ (CalFresh in California, Basic Food in Washington, etc.). However, this is a bridge, or temporary food stamps type program only.
Who typically qualifies for expedited SNAP
You’re screened for expedited service the day you apply - but be sure to specify you need the benefits ASAP. States use a short set of tests, such as: your household has less than a certain threshold in gross monthly income and under a certain amount of savings/assets to your name. These can vary by state. Also many people can get their SNAP approved quickly if their shelter costs (rent, utilities, mortgage, etc.) are more than their income plus cash on hand; or you’re a migrant/seasonal farmworker with little income.
States must pre-screen and process qualified applications on the seven-day clock. Verification is lighter up front for expedited SNAP cases, but you may be asked to submit follow-up documents after benefits start. Always keep in mind that the expediated application process is to address the crisis. Then, at the end of that time frame, the person will need to apply for the “regular” SNAP food stamp program for their state.
Also keep in mind that SNAP food stamp names differ by state. SNAP is the federal name. Some states brand it differently and we have more information on SNAP benefits on our site too. As some examples they include CalFresh (CA), Food Assistance (AL), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (TX), Basic Food (WA). However no matter what state you live in, and what they call it, the expedited rules and seven-day deadline are the same nationwide.
How to apply for emergency food stamps in a crisis
There are several qualifications that need to be met. These can be changed based on the state and also the United States Department of Agriculture may also modify the regulations. It is always recommended to call a local social service office for the latest information - the intake phone numbers are below. Or find even other options for how to get food in an emergency from charities or the government.
- The applicant for the emergency food stamps needs to have a very low income. This will usually be around less than $150 to $500 per month, with a higher limit in place based on number of household members.
- The family needs to have very little savings to their name, usually less than $100 to $1000.
- Emergency SNAP is for households that are out of other options and that can't qualify for help from a charity, USDA food program, or state aid.
- Identification is needed as well as proof of income and savings.
- Immigrants, migrants, refugees, the homeless, and seasonal farm workers with a very low income or that have literally no money are often assisted.
Note that all applicants will be required to show proof of their social security number, immigration status, monthly expenses, disability (if applicable) and more. Most, if not all of this information may be required. Note if there is some documentation that is not able to be provided then the state government may still expedite the application to the emergency SNAP food stamps.
How much assistance is offered from expedited SNAP program?
The amount you receive from having SNAP expedited is based on the same formula used for all SNAP cases: the USDA Thrifty Food Plan, adjusted for household size, income, and certain expenses like shelter and child care. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has a guide showing the amounts based on family size. The actual benefit is reduced if the household has earnings or other income, but expedited households typically qualify for close to the maximum because they often report little to no resources.
Expedited SNAP is only about the speed of issuance of the EBT card (or your state's equivalent). It does not impact eligibility rules or what can be purchased so the benefit continues month to month as long as you continue to meet SNAP requirements. However be prepared to complete any follow-up verification the state requests.
Even when applying for this longer term regular benefit, the application will need to be reviewed within 30 days. This makes the application process more efficiency for people, especially the disabled or elderly that need temporary food stamps.
During that window of time with the state, there needs to also be some formal notice given to the person that states if they were approved or denied for long term / regular SNAP and for what reason. If the application is approved, the award letter should tell the family how much money they will be allocated each month.
Emergency food stamp application phone number near you
Each state has a separate application process as well as requirements for emergency food stamps. The time-frame will vary slightly as well, with some low-income, unemployed or elderly getting an EBT card with days and others within a week or so. The states, as well as telephone number for expedited SNAP food stamps are below.
- Alabama - (800) 382-0499
- Alaska - 907-465-3347
- Arizona - (855) 777-8590
- Arkansas - 855-372-1084
- California - CalFresh food stamp emergency number is 1-877-847-3663
- Colorado - Dial (800) 816-4451 is the Colorado SNAP Hotline/IVR
- Connecticut - (855) 626-6632
- Delaware - Phone 800-372-2022 or (866) 843-7212
- District of Columbia - (202) 727-5355
- Florida - Seniors, disabled and struggling households should dial 1-866-762-2237
- Georgia- SNAP food stamp intake number is 1-877-423-4746
- Hawaii - 1-855-643-1643
- Idaho - 1-877-456-1233
- Illinois - The emergency EBT SNAP food stamps application number is 1-800-843-6154
- Indiana - In a crisis, call (800) 403-0864 to reach the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration Benefits
- Iowa - 1-877-347-5678
- Kansas - 1-888-369-4777
- Kentucky - Low income, expedited food assistance programs, including SNAP, are at (855) 306-8959
- Louisiana - (888) 524-3578
- Maine - (855) 797-4357
- Maryland - 1-800-332-6347
- Massachusetts - 1-800-249-2007 or (877) 382-2363
- Michigan - The emergency food stamp number is 844-464-3447 or try 1-855-275-6424
- Minnesota - Dial 888-711-1151 or (651) 431-4050 to Minnesota DHS Economic Assistance Division to get food stamps expedited.
- Mississippi - SNAP crisis number is 1-800-948-3050
- Missouri - 1-855-373-4636
- Montana - Call (888) 706-1535
- Nebraska - 1-800-383-4278
- Nevada - The crisis number is 1-800-992-0900
- New Hampshire - 1-800-852-3345
- New Jersey - Phone is 800-792-9773 or another number for the SNAP hotline is (800) 687-9512
- New Mexico - Dial (800) 283-4465 for the New Mexico Human Services Department Customer Service Center or 800-843-8303
- New York - 1-800-342-3009
- North Carolina - Emergency Food and Nutrition number is 1-866-719-0141
- North Dakota - Call (866) 614-6005 or 800-755-2716
- Ohio - 1-866-244-0071
- Oklahoma - 1-866-411-1877
- Oregon - (800) 699-9075
- Pennsylvania - 1-800-692-7462
- Rhode Island - (855) 697-4347
- South Carolina - 1-800-616-1309
- South Dakota - 1-877-999-5612
- Tennessee - 1-866-311-4287
- Texas - The low-income, emergency food stamp application number is 1-877-541-7905
- Utah - FSP program phone number is (866) 435-7414 or try 866-526-3663
- Vermont - 1-800-479-6151
- Virginia - 855-635-4370
- Washington - Phone 1-877-501-2233
- West Virginia - Call (877) 716-1212 or 800-642-8589
- Wisconsin - Emergency SNAP EBT FoodShare dial 1-800-362-3002
- Wyoming - 307-473-3948
Federal government EBT emergency application process for a crisis
The federal government phone number to get additional information on emergency SNAP food stamps is 1-800-221-5689. This is in addition to the state telephone numbers above. It is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. It is an effective place to learn more about applying for expdited SNAP food stamps in your state. Here is more information on USDA programs from USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
There are many other government benefit programs for very low-income families or single people. Most can be combined with emergency food stamps to offer short term, immediate relief. Find additional government benefits, which include additional local details on SNAP food stamps (emergency or regular), cash assistance and other public aid.
Conclusion
For a household with no groceries in their pantry or not food in the refigerator, the distinction of expedited SNAP vs “regular” SNAP” matters. Instead of waiting a full 30 days, the EBT card is loaded within 7 calendar days so groceries can be purchased right away. If you want to read real stories and are interested in what other people from across the US are saying when it comes to getting food stamps started, try our discussion forum on emergency SNAP. That can make the difference between a family eating dinner tonight versus going hungry.
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