How to Apply For Food Stamps in Sacramento County

How to Apply For Food Stamps in Sacramento County

The Food Stamp Program enables low-income individuals and families a way to buy more food, improve nutrition, and stretch their grocery budget. In certain situations, eligible recipients may receive emergency Food Stamp coupons within three (3) days. To determine eligibility, you should contact your local county nearest welfare department: Sacramento (916) 874-2256; Galt (209) 745-3484 and North Sacramento (916) 648-0894

You will be require to complete the Application For Food Stamps (form DFA 285 A-1), sign the form and give it to the receptionist at the designated of County Food Stamp Office.

The date of your application is the date the Count receives it in the food stamp office. Be sure to turn it in before you leave the office today.

Tell the receptionist if you need help in filling out the forms. Food Stamp rules say the County must give you food stamps within 30 days from the date you apply if you are eligible.

If You Cannot Wait 30 Days. You may qualify for "Expedited Service" if:

A. The cost of your housing and utilities is more than this month’s income (before deductions) combined with the
amount of your liquid resources (cash, savings at home or in a bank, stocks bonds, etc.):

B. Your cash, savings at home or in a bank, stocks, bonds, etc. are worth no more than $100 and this month’s income is less than $150. (This may include your cash assistance grant.)

If you are a seasonal farm worker, the County has special rules. Let the worker processing your application know if you are a seasonal farm worker.

You can request emergency food stamps (Expedited Service) by completing questions 4, 6, 7, 9 & 10 on the Application

For Food Stamps form DFA 285 A-1. Before the County Can Give You Food Stamps

•They must see something that proves your identity, such as:
•Your driver’s license or DMV ID
•A work or school ID
•Voter Registration Card

•Birth Certificate

If you do not have any identity papers, you can give them name of someone who can verify your identity over the

telephone, such as your employer or landlord. Provide Proof That You Are Eligible You will also need to show your proof of

•Income or that it has stopped
•Social Security Number
•Allowable expenses (rent, utilities, child care)
•Non-citizen status if you are not a U.S. citizen

However, if you have trouble bringing them in, tell your worker. If you qualify for expedited service, the County can give you your first allotment of food stamps while waiting for these papers.

For more information you may call:

Sacramento (916) 874-2256
Galt (209) 745-3484
N. Sacramento (916) 648-0894

For hearing and speech impaired, dial (916) 874-2599 or 711 (California Relay Service) then one of the above phone

numbers.

To Receive Your Food Stamp Benefits

If you meet all the requirements for EXPEDITED SERVICE you will get an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card within three

days after you turn in your food stamp application.

Using Your Card

Use your card just like a debit bankcard at any grocery store that will accept EBT. You may use it for any amount

up to your remaining balance.

Who Will Take My Card?

Most large grocery stores and many smaller stores, some Certified Farmers’ Markets will accept your EBT card.

You will be given full details on how and where to use your card when your application for food stamp is approved.

How Much Will I Get?

If you are eligible, the amount of food stamp benefits you receive each month will be based on how much income you

have, how many persons are in your home and how many special income deductions you are entitled to.

When you are approved for benefits, you will receive a letter (Notice of Action) telling you how much in food stamps you

will get each month and how long; usually food stamps are approved for six months to a year.

Any time your benefit amount is changed, you will receive another notice telling you what the change is. If the change

reduces or stops your food stamps, in most cases, you must receive a letter ten days before your food stamps are

reduced or terminated.

The notice of action letters you receive explain all of these rights for you and show you how to request a State Hearing; your benefits may be continued unchanged until after the hearing.

For more information you may call:

Sacramento (916) 874-2256
Galt (209) 745-3484
N. Sacramento (916) 648-0894

For hearing and speech impaired, dial (916) 874-2599 or 711 (California Relay Service) then one of the above phone

numbers.