The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps or EBT, is a helpful program for millions of Americans. This federal program helps put food on the table for families across the country --a need that has grown throughout the pandemic. As demand for the program has increased, here are some points to keep in mind when applying or re-applying for SNAP:
1. The time it takes to process an application has increased.
It is currently taking the State's Department of Children and Families (DCF) 30 to 60 days to process an application and reach out to the applying household (compared to the standard 1 - 30 day processing time).
2. Qualifying families may receive expedited processing.
Applicants may hear from the State's Department of Children and Families within 1 to 2 weeks (expedited) if:
- their household expenses are greater than their monthly income,
- if their monthly income is below $150, or
- if the household has less than $2,000 total in cash, checking, or savings accounts
3. Feeding Tampa Bay can assist in the SNAP application process.
Feeding Tampa Bay is able to assist in screening for eligibility, filling out an application, submitting an application, and uploading documentation.
4. Providing proper documentation can keep processing time on track.
Feeding Tampa Bay can help alleviate the hurdle of providing documentation, which could otherwise prolong processing time. We can assist applicants in identifying the documentation they need to submit. Working with our team, applicants also have the option of uploading their documents via text message, which is easier than faxing them or going in-person to a local office. Visit our website to get started.
5. DCF holds the power to process applications and determine benefit amounts.
Feeding Tampa Bay cannot control the response time of the State or benefit amount received after being approved.
6. You can check the status of your application.
If applicants want to inquire about their submitted application, they can log into their online account at https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ or call (850) 300 -4323.
7. You can access food resources while your application is being processed.
Feeding Tampa Bay offers a number of resources for families in need of food assistance. Visit one of our Trinity Cafe locations to enjoy a hot meal, or visit our Find Food page to view mobile grocery distributions and food pantries in your area.