By John Casteele
Indiana is a beautiful state, but this beauty does not make its residents immune from financial setbacks or the need for occasional assistance making ends meet. One of the more common forms of assistance comes from the food stamp program, a federally funded initiative that helps those who need a little bit of help buying food for their household. Although the food stamps program is well-known, not everyone is aware of exactly how or where to apply for food stamps. This article will help you to find the local office where you can apply for food stamps and will also show you what to expect from the application process.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You'll Need:
- Social security card
Birth certificate
Recent bank statement (if you have a bank account)
Proof of all household income and expenses
Listing of all members of the household
- Social security card
- Birth certificate
- Recent bank statement (if you have a bank account)
- Proof of all household income and expenses
- Listing of all members of the household
Step 1
Go to your local Division of Family Resources (DFR) office. Tell the receptionist that you wish to apply for food stamps. If you aren't sure where your local DFR office is, either consult your local telephone directory or visit the "Directory of Local Offices" page in the Division of Family Resources section of the Indiana state government website (see Additional Resources).
Step 2
Wait for a social worker to see you. Depending on how busy the DFR office is at the time of your visit, you may wait up to an hour or longer. If the wait is too long, you may be given an appointment on another day instead of being asked to wait. For fastest results, either visit early in the morning or in the afternoon once lunch is over.
Step 3
Answer all questions that your social worker has about your household finances and living situation honestly, as they will be using this information to help you fill out your food stamps program application. You will be asked to provide proof of identity, residence and citizenship as well as proof of income. Be sure to have available your social security card, birth certificate, a recent bank statement (if you have a bank account), proof of all household income (such as a pay stub) and expenses (e.g., rent) and a list of all members of the household. You may also be given paperwork to be filled out by your employer and landlord (if applicable).
Step 4
Ask any questions about food stamp benefits that you might have while you are still in your meeting with the social worker. If you are approved for benefits in your meeting, you will be given a follow-up appointment on which you will need to bring the paperwork that your social worker gives you in your first meeting as well as any additional information requested.
Step 5
If approved for food stamps, your paperwork will be filed and processed within 30 days and you will receive your benefits card in the mail soon after. Should your monthly expenses require most or all of your income, you will likely be given emergency benefits and will receive your card and benefits within seven days (although you will still be required to attend your next appointment with all requested information to maintain your benefits.) Additional appointments will be necessary over the course of your benefits to ensure that you are still eligible for the food stamp benefits that you receive.
Step 6
Attend all follow-up appointments and bring any paperwork to them that is requested by your social worker to prevent food stamp benefits from being suspended or canceled. If you miss a scheduled appointment and do not reschedule, your benefits will be canceled, and you will have to apply for food stamp benefits again.
Resources
About the Author:
Born in West Virginia, John Casteele now lives in western Kentucky. A writer for more than seven years, he has written numerous articles in magazines and online publications. In addition to writing, he edits professionally and occasionally works on the webcomic Division/bell.
