APPLYING for food stamps for the first time can be daunting - especially if you see that your application is pending.
Tens of millions of Americans receive food stamps, which are known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), every month.
While the application process seems fairly straightforward, it's not always easy for applicants to figure out if their case is open or closed, or if they have done everything they needed to do.
This was the story of one California woman on Reddit, who shared she had received a card and PIN number, but was still getting letters asking her submit more information.
Below we round up the steps you can take, whether you live in California or any other state, if your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application is still open.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is the federal program for food stamps.
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The program provides families with a pre-loaded electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card which allows them to buy groceries at a variety of stores.
You can find authorized stores accepting food stamps on the Department of Agriculture's SNAP retailer locator tool.
Who can apply for food stamps?
You must apply for SNAP in the state where you live.
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Each state has a different application form and process.
Generally, SNAP is limited to people with gross incomes up to 130% of the federal poverty line.
You can see poverty guidelines on the US Department of Health website.
What can you do if your application is pending?
While states are usually able to process and send SNAP benefits within 30 days, and often much sooner, it isn't always so simple.
Your case can remain "pending," or undecided, for much longer than it should.
While applicants should always contact their local state office, here are the steps you can take if you live in one of the five largest states:
California
If you applied for Calfresh, you can submit requested documents online.
To find out your application status, reschedule a missed interview, or for other application issues, you can contact your local county.
If you need to send documents to your county CalFresh office, you can upload photos and files on GetCalFresh.org.
If you need help now, you can contact your local food bank.
Texas
If you are a Texan and applied for a Lone Star Card, you can check the status of your application by contacting your local Texas Health and Human Services Office.
Florida
If you live in Florida, you can check your application status here or contact an agent Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm at 1-850-300-4323.
New York
If you already applied for New York SNAP benefits here, you can contact the New York office by phone 1-800-342-3009, or email, nyspio@otda.ny.gov to ask about the status of your application.
If you applied online, you can use the same username and password to login here to track your application, re-certify benefits, report changes, view case details, or submit verification documents.
Pennsylvania
For Pennsylvania residents, frequently asked questions for applicants are found here.
If you already applied through COMPASS, the SNAP application portal, you can contact the COMPASS benefits helpline for your status by calling 1-800-692-7462.
Read More on The US Sun
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We explain when you need to re-certify to continue receiving SNAP benefits.
Plus, how the Social Security COLA increase could affect your SNAP benefits.
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