The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Florida, managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), offers financial support to low-income households through an EBT card. This works as a debit in authorized stores, including online options such as Walmart, Amazon and Publix since 2021.
Fresh Access Bucks, funded by the USDA, incentivizes purchases at farmers markets with double benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables. The program seeks to improve access to nutritious food and encourage self-sufficiency through the purchase of seeds or plants.
Everything you need to know about SNAP benefits
The benefits cover unprepared foods: fruits, dairy products, meats and bread, as well as seeds for cultivation. Purchases of alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot foods, hygiene products or household items are not permitted. “The program prioritizes basic nutrition, not supplements or luxuries,” a USDA spokesperson explained to ELMIRA.
SNAP benefits deposits are distributed between April 1 and April 28, based on the eighth and ninth digits of the beneficiary’s case number, excluding the tenth. For example, ranges between 00-03 receive funds on day 1, while 32-34 correspond to day 10. The complete schedule is available in DCF documents, and you have to take the 8th and 9th numbers, but read them backwards (and don’t count the 10th number).
- 00-03: April 1st
- 04-06: April 2nd
- 07-10: April 3rd
- 11-13: April 4th
- 14-17: April 5th
- 18-20: April 6th
- 21-24: April 7th
- 25-27: April 8th
- 28-31: April 9th
- 32-34: April 10th
Payments continue with more groups until April 28, but we are going to break down the payments as the days go by in sections of about 10 groups at a time, so that you don’t get confused.
- Household size 1: $292
- Household size 2: $536
- Household size 3: $768
- Household size 4: $975
- Household size 5: $1,158
- Household size 6: $1,390
- Household size 7: $1,536
- Household size 8: $1,756
- Each additional person: $220
Who can apply for SNAP benefits in Florida?
Eligibility for SNAP in Florida is based on income, resources, and household size. General requirements include:
To qualify, monthly gross income must not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level, and net income must not exceed 100%. Financial resources must be less than $3,000 ($4,500 if there are elderly or disabled adults). Exceptions apply to households with members in employment or disability-exempt programs.
Adults between 18 and 59 years old without dependents must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in job training. Exemptions include pregnancy, caregiving responsibilities, or certified physical limitations.
Requests are made free of charge through the MyAccess portal, at DCF offices, by mail or fax. After submitting the documentation, some cases require telephone or in-person interviews. Once approved, funds are loaded monthly to the EBT card, usable at more than 260,000 stores nationwide.
MyAccess allows you to view balances, report changes in income and upload documents. The system operates 24 hours a day, although updates may take up to 72 hours to be reflected. Lost or stolen cards must be reported immediately to DCF for blocking and replacement.
