By Kelly Shetsky
Food stamps help low-income people buy healthy food. If you're eligible for the program, you'll get a certain amount of food depending on how many people are in the household and how much money is left after expenses are paid. Medicaid provides medical care to people and their families. It's also available to children only, pregnant women and senior citizens. Apply for food stamps and Medicaid through the Florida Department of Children and Families. The department uses a web-based system called ACCESS Florida which is a public assistance service delivery system designed to make the process easier.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You'll Need:
- Proof of Income
Proof of Residency
Social Security Card
License or other ID
Housing Expense Proof
Medical Insurance Information
- Proof of Income
- Proof of Residency
- Social Security Card
- License or other ID
- Housing Expense Proof
- Medical Insurance Information
Step 1
Show proof of your identity when applying for food stamps or Medicaid. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and a resident of Florida. You must also show your social security card or proof that you've applied for one.
Step 2
Understand that you cannot get food stamps or Medicaid if you have assets worth more than $2,000. This includes bank accounts and property other than your house. In the case of food stamps, if someone over the age of 60 lives in your household, you can have up to $3,000 in assets.
Step 3
Determine if you're applying for Medicaid for an individual, family or children only. It is available for kids up to the age of 18 and their parents if their income falls within the requirements. Parents can also apply for children 19 and under if they're living in their home.
Step 4
Enroll children in the Child Health Check-up Program. It provides regular dental screenings, doctor checkups, immunizations and other services.
Step 5
Apply online for Medicaid or food stamps through ACCESS Florida or at a service center in your county. Have your social security number, date of birth, income information, housing expenses, asset information and health insurance information handy.
Step 6
Choose the type of assistance you're applying for and click Continue. You will receive an ACCESS ID number and be required to choose a password. Keep both for your records.
Step 7
Complete all required information. Fill out the pages asking for contact, household, assets, employment and expenses information.
Step 8
Click on apply and wait to hear back from the Florida Department of Children and Families. View the application review process through ACCESS Florida.
About the Author:
Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College.
