How to Apply for SNAP in Idaho

This information is current as of July 15, 2022.

Have you recently moved to Idaho and need to apply for SNAP? Could you use a little help when buying your weekly groceries?

If you’re wondering how to apply for SNAP in Idaho, you’ll have to first qualify through your income and job-search status. Then, you can apply by mail, fax, phone, or in person. Once your application is received, you’ll complete an interview. If everything is approved, you’ll soon receive your SNAP funds.

Let’s dive into each step further so you can apply for SNAP in Idaho today.

How Does SNAP Work in Idaho?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is a federally funded food program. Its purpose is to help eligible American families with low incomes buy food each month.

If you’re eligible for SNAP benefits, you receive a monthly stipend. This is automatically given to you on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, or EBT card, which works just like a debit card at participating retail food stores.

Most grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and convenience stores accept EBT cards. This allows you to purchase nutritious whole foods to prepare meals for your family, such as:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Dairy products
• Cereal
• Bread
• Seeds
• Plants to grow your own produce

Who Can Apply for SNAP in Idaho?

If you live in Idaho and want to receive SNAP benefits, you must meet specific criteria. You must first be a citizen or legal immigrant who is also a resident of Idaho.

You also must meet the program’s income limits depending on your household size. So, for example, you could qualify if you’re a single person living alone – a household of one – and make $1,396 a month or less.

On the other hand, if you have a household size of eight – meaning you live and share food expenses and meals with eight people – your household must make $4,839 a month or less to receive SNAP benefits.

To receive SNAP in Idaho, you must legally work or actively participate in an employment and training program. There are a few exceptions for disabilities, which vary case by case.

Your household must also have combined resources of $5,000 or less. This would include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, property, and household and recreational vehicles.

If you have recently moved to Idaho and were receiving SNAP benefits in your previous state, you must first end these benefits before applying to receive SNAP in Idaho. See here for more information on eligibility in Idaho and a full breakdown of the monthly income limits.

How to Apply

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Idaho in a few ways:

• Over the phone
• In-person
• By mail
• By email
• By fax

You must provide personal and qualifying information to apply through these methods.

You must also fill out an application to apply by mail, email, or fax. So keep reading to follow a few easy steps and start receiving SNAP food benefits as soon as this month. You must provide personal and qualifying information to apply through these methods.

You must also fill out an application to apply by mail, email, or fax. So keep reading to follow a few easy steps and start receiving SNAP food benefits as soon as this month.

1.    Apply Via Phone

To apply over the phone, call this toll-free number: 877-456-1233. You’ll need to provide information to complete your application over the phone, such as your ID card information, household income and resources, housing costs, current monthly expenses, and immigration status, if applicable.

2.    Apply in Person

To apply in person, visit your local field office. You can find it here. You will need to bring a few things with you when you go, including your ID card, household income and resources, housing costs, current monthly expenses, and immigration status, if applicable.

3.    Apply by Mail, Email, or Fax

First, you’ll need to download and complete the application here. There is also a Spanish version available. If applying by mail, you will need to print out the application.

To complete the application, you will need all the resources posted in steps #1 and #2, such as your ID card, income information, etc.

If applying by email, you’ll need to send the application and copies of any personal or qualifying information electronically to MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov. For example, qualifying information could include documents that prove your income.

If applying by fax, you must send the application with your personal and qualifying information toll-free to 1-866-434-8278.

If applying via paper mail, you’ll need to send your printed application and copies of your personal and qualifying information to this address:

Self-Reliance Programs

PO Box 83720

Boise, ID 83720-0026

4.    The Interview

After your application is received, you will have to complete an interview. You’ll be interviewed on the spot if you apply over the phone or in person. If you apply via email, mail, or fax, you will be contacted for an interview after your application is received and reviewed.

This interview is used to confirm that your application details are correct. As long as you’re truthful, it should be a breeze!

5.    After Application Submission and Interview

After you have submitted your application and completed your interview, you will be contacted by the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW). If you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive your EBT card in the mail in 10-14 business days or that same day if you go in person.

Idaho SNAP Benefits

Once you have been approved for SNAP benefits and get your EBT card in the mail, you can begin using it at participating retail food stores. Click here to find a list of stores that accept EBT cards.

Your EBT card will be loaded with monthly money on a staggered schedule. This schedule lasts the first 10 days of the month based on the last number of your birth year. For example, if born in 1995, you will receive money on your EBT card on the fifth day of the month.

How Do I Make My SNAP Food Stamps Last?

Now that you’ve received your EBT card and it’s freshly loaded with money, it’s time to go shopping. Remember, you won’t receive any more benefits until next month, so making that money last with these tips is essential.

Before going to the store, list all food items you need that you can buy with your EBT card. Then, stick strictly to that list so as not to overspend.

Always buy in bulk over individually packaged items, as it’s cheaper, and you can freeze extras to use later.

Buy less meat and get your protein from beans and lentils, which are cheaper and last longer.

Lastly, always avoid buying products at eye level on the shelves, as these are always more expensive. Happy shopping!

In Summary

SNAP helps thousands of families in Idaho and countrywide with daily nutritional assistance.

If you believe you qualify, contact your local DHW office to start your application today. First, you’ll need to prove your income and need, apply, and complete a short interview.

SNAP is here to lend a hand to families and individuals in need. So let SNAP help you get back on your feet today – your application is waiting!

Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service

If you qualify for SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs to help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.

Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.

Get a Tablet for $10.01

If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. Apply here to get started!

Save Even More With Recommended Resources and Amazon Deals

Looking to save on additional items? You may want to check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card.