As you already know (or maybe not, and you are here because the news took you by surprise), from time to time you have to recertify the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, abbreviated as SNAP benefits, and formerly known as food stamps.
These benefits are temporarily delivered to individuals and families in vulnerable economic situations, in order to prevent them from falling into food risk and to help them make ends meet by putting nutritious and healthy foods on their tables.
The idea of recertification for SNAP benefits is to ensure that people continue to need benefits, and that their situations remain economically critical. Florida is one of the states with the largest number of beneficiaries, with 3.7 million enrolled in the program as of March 2024 (15% of the state’s population), a number that has increased steadily since the coronavirus pandemic, and the recent economic crises that have hit the United States in the last 20 years.
Recertification for SNAP Benefits in Florida: What Do You Need?
In order to requalify to continue receiving food stamps, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) needs to know that you still meet the eligibility requirements, according to the following list:
- Residency: Must be a legal resident of the state of Florida.
- Citizenship: Documents certifying that you are a US citizen or have qualified non-citizen status. Provide a Social Security number or evidence that you have applied for one.
- Resources: To receive SNAP benefits, you must have limited resources, including low income and savings. Income limits are based on household size and the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Income: You must not exceed certain income limits. In general, your household cannot exceed 130% of the FPL. There are exceptions for some households with elderly or disabled people.
- Financial verification: Provide all the information and documentation that the CDF requests about your income, savings, investments, and other household assets.
- Verification of expenses: In some particular cases (not all), you may be asked to verify your expenses, such as the payment of rent, utilities and child care costs, among others that intervene in the family economy.
- In certain very rare cases, some students ages 18 to 22 may qualify for SNAP benefits by meeting eligibility requirements, such as working 20 hours a week or participating in a state-approved educational program.
- Homeless people may also be eligible to receive expedited SNAP benefits, meaning they qualify and are awarded payments much faster, with shorter application times.
How often do I have to reapply for food stamps in FL?
How often you should update your eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on each case, but generally every six months you should do so. Sometimes variable income and changes in family situation can alter the frequency at which you are asked to reapply for your food stamps.
How to Reapply in Florida?
You can do them online, which is the fastest and most convenient way, through the official MyACCESS portal of the Florida Department of Children and Families (https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com/).
If the internet is not convenient for you, you can call 1-800-333-9339 to request an application by mail or to speak with a representative.
If you need one-on-one assistance, you can come directly to your nearest Florida DCF office, or mail a request to ACCESS Central Mail Center, P.O. Box 1770, Ocala, FL 34478-1770.