Food stamps, the layman’s term for Food Assistance in the state of Florida, can help struggling individuals and families by providing money that can be spent only on nutritional food to keep residents of the state in good health. Food assistance allows Florida residents to breathe a sigh of relief, and the application process isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Florida provides the application process online at http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida. You can log on to see whether you might be eligible by clicking “Am I Eligible” and entering some information about your finances. It will take just a few minutes to check availability, and you don’t need to log in or create an account.
Have your last check stub, W2s or tax returns available to input any income information. You’ll also need to know money spent on rent and utilities. If you receive other assistance or support in the form of alimony, SSI and child support, among others, you’ll also need that information.
After finishing the eligibility, you’ll be able to apply online. Select to start a new application. Click “Create Account” if you haven’t yet registered for the ACCESS site. Enter your first and last name, user ID and choose a password. You’ll also have to choose and answer three security questions, which will be used if you forget your password for ACCESS.
Accept the agreement and click “Next.” From there, you will be prompted to enter the same information into the application as you did during the eligibility screening. After each page, review your information and click “Next.” Make sure to review your information one final time at the end of the application. You’ll be able to click to edit specific categories of information, such as “Assets.”
Click “Submit” when you’re ready. If you qualify, you’ll be contacted by a representative of the SNAP program. This application may also establish eligibility for healthcare and other state programs.
If you’re a single adult who is not working, you will only be able to use food stamps for up to three months in a one-year period. Some felonies and drug crimes will also disqualify you from receiving SNAP.