In This Section:
SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance for people with low incomes.
What Are the Requirements
To apply for SNAP benefits you will need to be able to show the following:
- Proof of your identity
- Proof of residency in Florida
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified noncitizen status
- Proof of your assets
- Your income. Most households must have a gross (before taxes and expenses) income of 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Level
- The 2025 Federal Poverty Level for a Household/Family Size of 1 is $15,650. So the income limit requirement for SNAP would be $31,300.
- Deductions, some household expenses will be taken out of your income (making your income lower for purposes of determining eligibility).
- Work Rules – Individuals aged 16 – 59 must meet General Work Requirements and must either work or participate in the SNAP Employment and Training Program. Additional details regarding the work rules can be found here: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents and Mandatory Work Participants FAQ | Florida DCF
How can I apply for SNAP benefits?
There are four ways to apply for benefits:
- At a DCF community partner, which can be found here: https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com/
- At a DCF customer service center: Family Resource Centers | Florida DCF
- A paper application mailed to ACCESS Central Mail Center, P.O. Box 1770, Ocala, Florida, 34478-1770. The form can be found here: Economic Self Sufficiency Forms | Florida DCF
- Applying Online (Note – This is the quickest way to apply). You can apply here:Home | MyACCESS. You will need to create a MyACCESS account.
What do SNAP benefits cover?
SNAP benefits cover only food, items, such as:
- Breads
- Cereals
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meats
- Fish
- Poultry
- Dairy
- Plants and seeds to grow your own food
SNAP benefits DO NOT cover:
- Pet food
- Soap
- Paper products (like paper towels, toliet paper, etc)
- Household supplies
- Clearing supplies
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Vitamins or medicines
- Hot food or food to eat in the store
If I get approved for SNAP benefits, how will I use my benefits?
Once you are approved, you will receive a re-loadable EBT card mailed to you.
For more information on EBT cards you can look here: Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card | Florida DCF For information on how to protect your EBT card you can look here: EBT Transaction Protection and Security | Florida DCF
