KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Food Stamps (SNAP Benefits)
Know Your Rights is a Legal Aid Society educational series that provides helpful information on a variety of relevant topics. Legal AId Society, in early 2024, launched our new Food Justice Program, a partnership between Dare to Care and Legal Aid and generously supported by The Humana Foundation. Through our Food Justice Program, Legal Aid Society provides Know Your Rights information to people seeking food assistance with Dare to Care, as well as holding community clinics at local anchor pantries.
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WHAT IS IT? Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits, or food stamps, is a federally-funded government program that helps low-income Kentuckians afford food.
HOW DO I APPLY? In Kentucky, the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is the state agency that provides food stamps. You must apply through DCBS and follow their rules to receive food stamps. They have at least one local office in each county to handle applications and provide services. You can also apply online at kynect.ky.gov or by calling (855) 306-8959.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE APPLYING? Your eligibility for food stamps (and the amount awarded) will depend on your income and household size, so you must apply for food stamps as a “household” unit. That means you must provide proof of the basic information and current income for each person in your home if you buy and prepare food with them. Naturally, a household of one will only require details for the individual submitting the application. Be sure to stay current with updating DCBS on any relevant changes in your household.
I’VE BEEN APPROVED. NOW WHAT? Once approved, you will receive an EBT card where each month’s food stamp allotment will be deposited. The EBT card can only be used to buy unprepared food items, meaning that hot food, medicine, and household supplies such as toiletries are ineligible.
I NEED HELP - I’VE BEEN DENIED OR THE STATE IS TRYING TO TAKE MY FOOD STAMPS AWAY. WHAT DO I DO? If DCBS denies your application for food stamps despite being an eligible household, you can demand a hearing to argue why the denial was wrongful and assert your right to such benefits. If the state tries to take away your food stamps by accusing you of fraud or trafficking (i.e. selling or misusing), you have the right to demand a hearing to contest that allegation. Please contact Legal Aid Society for representation before the hearing date.