Food Program – SNAP

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218-927-7200
800-328-3744 USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

This agency is an equal opportunity provider

MN Benefits Online Service:

MN Benefits is Minnesota's secure, online system you can use to apply for cash assistance, food assistance (SNAP), emergency assistance. housing supports, and child care assistance.

To get started. visit MN Benefits to use an online prescreening tool to find out if you might qualify for benefits and to register for a user ID and password. If you already have a user ID and password. you can login to MN Benefits directly. You can also download the Application here.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Minnesotans with low income get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. Approved Participants get a debit card to use to buy food at many stores and farmers markets.

What can SNAP Purchase?

SNAP can be used like cash in most food stores to purchase food and plants or seeds that grow food for a household to eat. SNAP cannot be used for non-food items (such as hygiene, household or paper products), alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, drugs, pet foods, foods to be eaten in the store or hot/ready to eat foods.

How to Apply for SNAP

ACHHS has Combined Application Forms available in our office or we can mail, fax or email you a packet with the Application. Other options are to complete this printable Combined Application Form: https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5223-ENG or apply online at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/

• Applications can be submitted at our office, mailed, faxed, emailed or via an online application at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
• The date we receive the completed & signed page 1 of the Combined Application Form or a MNBenefits application sets the date SNAP benefits could begin.
• An interview is required for SNAP. Most interviews are over the phone but can be completed face-to-face if you choose.

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)

An EBT card is a safe, convenient and easy way for recipients to get their SNAP and some cash benefits each month. If you are approved for SNAP, in most cases your EBT card will be mailed to the address you provide at the time of your application.

The EBT Edge website allows you to set up an account to verify your card balance, review transactions, and replace card. Another tool for you is the ebtEDGE mobile app found in your device’s app store.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card? Call customer service right away at Toll Free: 888-997-2227. Do not call your financial worker.

Minnesota Food HelpLine 1-888-711-1151, Mon-Fri 10:00am – 5:00 pm