How To Apply For Nevada SNAP Benefits

View the information below if you are interested in applying for a EBT card in Nevada. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the Nevada SNAP hotline at 800-992-0900. The department that handles this program is called the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

Also known as food stamps, SNAP is a federally funded program to help low-income families buy nutritious food from authorized retailers. SNAP benefits are available to qualifying families, elderly people, and single adults.

How to apply for Nevada food stamps

You can download the SNAP application (English version - Spanish version), print it out and once you complete the form you can mail, fax or drop it off at your local welfare office. You can also go directly to your local welfare office to pick up a copy of a Nevada SNAP application form. Or if you prefer, you can apply online at ACCESS Nevada. This allows you to complete and submit an electronic application.

Nevada SNAP Eligibility requirements

To determine if you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits they suggest using the Pre-Screening Eligibility Tool. Please note, the Pre-Screening Tool is not an application for SNAP or a guarantee of eligibility for benefits. Your eligibility will be determined by the Welfare Office after processing your application and the eligibility & interview process.

If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, inform the Welfare Office and you may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits within 7 business days. After you have submitted your application you will be scheduled an interview. At your interview your case worker will explain the program rules and assist you in completing your application if necessary. During the interview process your case worker will also ask you for proof of certain information. It's important that you understand the rules, so don't hesitate to ask your case worker to explain anything you don't understand.

After you have completed the interview, the Welfare Office will notify you by mail of your qualification status, and if approved the monthly amount of SNAP benefits you will receive and the how many months of benefits you are qualified for before you need to re-apply. If you are qualified for SNAP benefits, you will receive your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card with your monthly approved benefit amount no later than 30 business days from the date the office received your application.

If you and everyone you live with are applying for or getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may apply for SNAP benefits at your Social Security district office, except in California (where people who receive SSI get cash instead of SNAP benefits).

• Households applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid can apply for SNAP benefits at the same time
• Application is made at the local Welfare Office
• After you have submitted your application, the Welfare office will contact you to set up an interview to go over your application

What are the Nevada SNAP income guidelines?

Most SNAP applicants must not have more than the gross and net income limits. Gross income is your income before taxes and other deductions. Net income is what's left over after allowable deductions. Households with at least one member who's disabled or age 60 or older only have to meet the net income limit.

Persons who are categorically eligible for SNAP due to receipt of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are not required to have their income compared to the gross and net income poverty levels. The table below shows the monthly gross and net income limits and maximum allotment.

SNAP Income Test/Allotments

What about things I own, such as a car?

You may have assets of up to $2,250. If at least one household member is 60 or older or disabled, $3,250 in assets is allowed. The following are examples of some items not counted toward your household's asset limit:

• One home and the surrounding property (homestead)
• Income-producing property and
• Personal effects, such as clothes, jewelry, furnishings, and household goods. Pets are not counted as a resource

However, the following are examples of some items which are counted towards your household's asset limit:

• Some vehicles worth more than $4,650 (the first vehicle is exempt and other exemptions may apply for one or more additional vehicles)
• Checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposits, stocks, and bonds
• Recreational vehicles and property other than that listed above

Am I allowed any deductions from my income for my expenses?

The following are deducted from your income:

• $155 from your gross monthly income (a standard deduction) up to $221 depending upon the household size
• If working, 20 percent of your gross monthly earned income
• Deduction for actual child care or care for an incapacitated adult so you can work or attend school or training
• Up to $490 in shelter costs. This includes rent or mortgage payments, up to $295 for utilities, and in some cases $23 for a phone
• Child support payments which are court ordered (legally obligated) and actually paid to individuals outside the home
• Individuals age 60 or older or those receiving Supplemental Security or Social Security disability income may deduct un-reimbursed medical expenses of more than $35 a month. They also may be given a higher shelter deduction

Standard deduction based on household size (persons)

 

Documents needed when applying for Nevada food stamps

You or your representative must provide the following items as they apply to your household. These items are needed for whom assistance is requested. They need proof of your household's current circumstances. It will help the application process if you or your representative submits the items or information with your completed application. All documents will be returned to you. Your worker will answer any questions you have in your interview.

Identification/Citizenship

• Government Issued Driver's License
• Government Issued Identification Card
• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
• School Identification
• US Military Card or Draft Record
• US Military Dependent ID Card
• US Coast Guard Merchant Marine Card
• United States Passport
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Certificate of United States Citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)
• Certified Original United States Birth Certificate
• If you do not have any of the items listed above, your caseworker will inform you of other possible sources of verification

Proof of Nevada residency

• Current lease or rental agreement
• Rent Receipt
• Current Mortgage Statement
• Nevada Driver's License
• Nevada Voter Registration
• Statement regarding Homeless situation

Earnings

• Paycheck Stubs or Employer Statement
• If employment ended in the last 90 days, verification of the job ending

Other money

Copy of award letter or other verification for:

• Social Security Benefits (RSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Worker's Compensation
• Unemployment Benefits
• Veteran's Benefits
• Retirement Pensions/Benefit
• Child Support Payments including copy of Support Order
• Alimony
• TANF or other Government Payments
• General Assistance
• Educational Income
• Any other money received by any person in your household

Expenses

• Rent or Mortgage Receipt
• Current Utility Bill
• Landlord Statement - Signed and Dated
• Proof of Home Taxes and Insurance

Dependent Care

Receipt or statement from sitter or daycare center with the following information:

• Name of Sitter or Center
• Monthly Payment
• Name and ages of persons cared for
• Reason for care

Education Expenses

• Statement from school
• Receipts

Court Ordered Child Support Payments

• Copy of Court Order
• Verification of Payment

Resources

• Bank or Credit Union Statement
• Vehicle Registration
• Savings Bonds
• Life Insurance Policies
• Retirement Account Statements
• Educational Account Statements
• Trust Documents

Out of state benefits

• Proof of any benefits received from another state other than Nevada
• Verification the out of state benefits have been terminated

Please note, this list does not cover all of the possible types of verification you may need to provide to verify your household circumstances. Some programs will not require all of the verification listed above. Your caseworker will inform you of the specific verification needed based on the assistance you are requesting.

If you cannot bring this information with you to the int4erview, your case manager will give you time to gather
it and bring it in. However, the sooner the information is provided, the sooner a determination can be made. If you cannot get the information, your worker will help you if you are cooperating to complete the application process.

Once you are at your interview, your worker will question you about the facts you give on your application. Your case manager will give you a copy of your Rights and Obligations. Read it very carefully before you sign in. If you have any questions or do not understand something, ask the case manager to explain it to you.

From here your application will be processed. As soon as all the needed information is in the casefile, a decision will be made. You will get a letter in the mail telling you if you will receive assistance, how much, and for how long. If you are denied assistance, the letter will tell you why. If you are approved, they recommend you take the following precautions to be sure youir EBT card are delivered to you.

• Be sure the District Office has your correct mailing address
• Make sure your name is on the mailbox
• They suggest you have a lock for your mailbox

After you apply for Nevada food stamps

After your interview, the Welfare Office will a send you a Determination of Eligibility letter in the mail explaining your monthly benefit amount and the term of benefits before you are required to reapply. If you did not qualify for SNAP benefits, the letter will provide you an explanation. If you believe your application has been wrongly denied or the determined monthly benefit amount and or term is incorrect, you can contact your local Welfare Office and request a Fair Hearing.