It is important to know how to get a SNAP card in the United States. Without it, it is impossible to access the help. So if you are a new applicant, you have lost your card, it was defective or it never arrived, this information is for you. In any case, it is essential that you know what this help is all about.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is the United States Government’s most powerful anti-hunger help. So much so, in fact, that it is the most sought-after benefit after unemployment benefits. It is an economic benefit aimed at families with scarce economic resources, especially in times of financial crisis.
This is a monetary help that the administration deposits each month in an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. It is intended only for the purchase of food. This is important. Although it gives access to a wide range of products, these can only be food.
People who can benefit from SNAP are members of low-income working families. Likewise, people with disabilities and low economic resources can also benefit from this help. According to official data, the people who most claim this help are families with children, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Obtaining a SNAP card
First of all, in order to obtain a SNAP card, it is important to know where to apply for it. This help program is federal, that is, it depends on the United States Government. However, its administration is devolved to each state. For this reason, it is necessary to locate the state office in charge of administering the program and apply there.
There are two options as to why this card is requested. One is that you apply for it for the first time. In this case, no justification will be needed, you just have to prove that you meet the requirements to obtain it. However, it may happen that you have lost it, it has been stolen or you never received the EBT card.
In the case of loss or theft, the most important thing to do is to report it so that it can be cancelled. You will then receive a new card within seven to ten days. If you have any questions about the EBT card, you can call 1-888-328-6399. You should know that this number is toll free.
How to activate your EBT card
It is not enough to apply for SNAP. Once you are granted SNAP, you will receive a card into which the government will put the money for the help. You can spend it only on food products and in selected stores. But to do so, you must activate the EBT card as soon as it arrives in the mail.
The card will be sent to the address provided along with an instruction booklet. It will explain perfectly how to activate the card. However, you should know that there are two ways to do it: online or by phone. However, it is important that you create a four-digit personal identification number or PIN before activating it.
Once you have done so, choose the activation method you prefer. If it is by phone, you must call the customer service number and follow the instructions. The system will probably ask you for the card number, the PIN code, the last four digits of your Social Security number and the registered zip code. But if you prefer the online mode, go to the website indicated in the brochure. Then, you will need to enter your card number, PIN, the last four digits of your Social Security number, name and address.