Food Stamps

PRP

Many more people are eligible for Food Stamps than are actually getting them. In Baltimore, only 75% of all the people eligible for Food Stamps actually get them. This means that there is over $22 Million in unclaimed Food Stamps just in Baltimore.

GETTING KEEPING

FOOD STAMPS

WHO CAN GET FOOD STAMPS?

CAN IMMIGRANTS GET FOOD STAMPS?

Individuals and families that buy and cook food together are eligible for Food Stamps as long as the family’s income, assets and resources are below a certain level. A family of four with less than $2,000 in resources and less than $3,000 in assets can earn up to $2,097 per month and be eligible for Food Stamps.

Legal Immigrants can receive food stamps if:

HOW DO I APPLY FOR FOOD STAMPS? You can apply at your local DSS Office. DSS has 30 days to make a decision on your application, unless you are eligible for emergency food stamps.

They have been in the U.S. for 5 years,

CAN I RECEIVE FOOD STAMPS IF I HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD? Yes. Even if you were convicted of a drug felony, you can still get Food Stamps. Depending on the date of your conviction you may need to take part in drug testing and treatment programs.

I’M HOMELESS, CAN I GET FOOD STAMPS? Yes. If you are homeless or staying in a shelter you can get Food Stamps.

I THINK THAT DSS IS WRONG, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

FOOD STAMPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ARE FOOD STAMPS THE SAME AS WELFARE? No, Food Stamps are a separate program and you do not need to be on welfare or any type of cash assistance to receive them. There are also no limits on how long you can receive Food Stamps. Your Food Stamps will be issued on a card, which can be used at the store like a credit card.

You can request to speak to a supervisor about your case. If you are not satisfied with the results you should file an appeal and seek legal help. You can appeal nearly everything DSS does. You can appeal if your benefits are terminated, or if your application is denied or delayed. In all notices they send, DSS must include an appeal form. You can fill this form out and submit it. Also, DSS should have appeal forms at each local office. You can also call: 1-800-332-6347 and ask for a hearing. Your worker must assist you in making an appeal.

HOMELESS PERSONS REPRESENTATION PROJECT

They are under 18, or They are disabled.

HOW TO GET EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS If you have less than $150 in monthly income and you have less than $100 in cash, you should receive Food Stamps within 7 days of your application. Although DSS is required to screen your application to see if you should be getting emergency help, you should tell your worker that you want emergency Food Stamps.

MAINTAINING YOUR FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY DSS will certify you for 6 months of Food Stamps. Before the 6 months are up you will have to recertify in order to continue receiving benefits. Re-certification usually involved a face-to-face interview. If you are unable to go to a face-toface interview because of work or disability you should ask your worker to waive the interview or schedule you during non-work hours. If you have questions, not sure if you are eligible or need legal help, call HPRP @ 410-685-6589 or 1-800-773-4340.