Economic & Employment Services

Food Assistance FAQ's

The SNAP Food Assistance program serves as the first line of defense against hunger. It provides crucial support to Kansas households with little or no income. Food assistance benefits can be used by eligible individuals and families to buy nutritious food, including vegetable plants and seeds.

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What is Food Assistance?

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) SNAP program provides qualifying low-income households with food benefits and access to a healthy diet. In Kansas, the program is known as the Food Assistance program.

Individuals who apply and are determined eligible will receive monthly Food Assistance benefits on an electronic benefit transfer card or EBT card, also called the Kansas Benefits Card. This card looks and functions like a debit card. When food is purchased, the cost is electronically subtracted from the card.

Food Assistance benefits can be used in person at stores that accept SNAP benefits, at selected farmers markets in Kansas, and online at multiple retailers. For more information about EBT Cards, visit EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov.

Those who are eligible for Food Assistance may also be eligible for other programs such as Double Up Food Bucks and SNAP Employment & Training.

Who may be eligible for the Food Assistance program?

Any single individual, household, or group of individuals who live and eat together, whose income and resources are low and who meet certain basic program requirements may qualify for Food Assistance. Other eligibility requirements such as income and resource limits apply and must be met to be eligible for Food Assistance.

See Are there any special provisions to Food Assistance eligibility? for exceptions that may apply to the elderly, disabled, Veterans, households with farm income, and those receiving other assistance.

The Food Assistance program is available to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, political beliefs, or disability.

For questions about Food Assistance eligibility or assistance with completing a Food Assistance application, visit the Helpful Tips or SNAP Outreach page.

How do I apply for Food Assistance?

Applying for Food Assistance is easy. You can complete your application online through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov at any time.

Paper applications are available at your local DCF Service Center or they can be requested by calling toll-free 1-888-369-4777. A printable Food Assistance application is available on the Helpful Tips page.

Answer all the questions on the application to the best of your ability. The application provides us with the information we need to determine eligibility for your household. If you need assistance completing your Food Assistance application, visit the SNAP Outreach page or contact your local DCF Service Center at 1-888-369-4777.

After your application has been submitted, someone will contact you to complete an interview. If English is not your primary language, an interpreter will be provided at no cost to you. It may take 30 days before your application is processed.

What information do I need to give DCF to apply for Food Assistance?

When applying for Food Assistance, you may need to provide the following:
- Identification, such as birth certificate or driver’s license.
- Non-citizen documentation if you are not a United States citizen.
- Social Security Number for you and any household members who are applying for Food Assistance.
- Proof of earned and unearned income.
- Proof of monthly expenses.
  Receipt of monthly rent amount or house payment including insurance and property taxes.
  For elderly or disabled person, proof of what you spend in medical costs such as medication, doctor and hospital bills
  Child support and/or alimony paid within the last 3 months
- Proof of assets
  Bank statements for checking and savings account balances
View the ‘Applying for Benefits Desk Aid’ on the Helpful Tips page for a full list of information and verifications required for Food Assistance. We can help you get required verification.

What are the income limits for Food Assistance?

All income and resources must be reported when you apply. Although certain types of income may be excluded, most is counted in determining eligibility and the amount of Food Assistance benefits that can be provided to the household. Food Assistance income limits go up as household size increases.

The following deductions can be made from total gross monthly income to determine monthly net income that applies to eligibility:
- A standard deduction will be subtracted to cover basic household expenses.
- A 20 percent deduction will be subtracted from earned income to cover work-related expenses and payroll taxes.
- Actual costs for dependent care expenses will be deducted.
- A deduction for actual costs, up to the maximum allowed, may be subtracted to cover high shelter expenses.
- Legally obligated child support payments will be deducted in the amount of actual payments made.
The Food Assistance income guidelines change each year.

See Are there any special provisions to Food Assistance eligibility? for exceptions that may apply to the elderly, disabled, veterans, households with farm income, and those receiving other assistance.

For questions about Food Assistance eligibility or assistance with completing a Food Assistance application, visit the Helpful Tips or SNAP Outreach page.

What are the resource limits for Food Assistance?

All income and resources must be reported when you apply. All households may have up to $3,000 worth of resources. Households may have up to $4,500 if at least one member is age 60 or older or is disabled. Some countable resources that apply toward the resource limits are:
- Cash, checking and savings accounts
- U.S. saving bonds
- Savings certificates
- Buildings or land (except family home)
- Jointly owned resources
- Cars and other vehicles
Certain resources are exempt, such as:
- The home where you live
- Life insurance policies
- Income-producing real estate (if the property annually produces income consistent with its fair market value)
- Tradesman tools and farm machinery
See Are there any special provisions to Food Assistance eligibility? for exceptions that may apply to the elderly, disabled, Veterans, households with farm income, and those receiving other assistance.

For questions about Food Assistance eligibility or assistance with completing a Food Assistance application, visit the Helpful Tips or SNAP Outreach page.

Are there any special provisions to Food Assistance eligibility?

There are special provisions that apply to Food Assistance and may affect eligibility.

Special Provisions for the Elderly and/or Disabled
Special provisions for the elderly and/or disabled include medical expenses and shelter expenses. Additionally, elderly and disabled people who have difficulty getting around can ask the DCF office to arrange a home visit or telephone interview. Elderly and disabled people may also name an authorized representative who can complete the food assistance application process for them or can assist or accompany them.

Special Provisions for Medical Expenses
Medical Expenses may be allowed if a household has at least one person who:
- Is 60 or older.
- Receives SSI benefits or disability payments under the Social Security Act.
- Is a disabled veteran, a disabled surviving spouse of a veteran, or a disabled surviving child of a veteran.
- Meets one of the other specific disability criteria.
The household may deduct unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed $35 a month for its elderly or disabled members. Deductions are made from the household's adjusted income.

Special Provisions for Shelter Expenses
Households with elderly or disabled persons may also deduct all shelter costs over 50% of the household's adjusted income.

Special Provisions for Persons Getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Disabled persons receiving or applying for SSI benefits may apply for food assistance at local Social Security offices at the time they apply or reapply for SSI benefits. Joint processing is limited to persons who live in households in which all members are receiving or applying for SSI.

Special Provisions for Households with Farm Income
If the cost of producing farm income exceeds the income derived from self-employment as a farmer, such losses will be offset against any other countable income in the household. To utilize this provision, a self-employed farmer must receive or anticipate receiving annual gross proceeds of $1,000 or more from the farming enterprise.

Special Provisions for Categorically Eligible Households
Households in which all members receive or are authorized to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be considered categorically eligible for food assistance because of their status as TANF and/or SSI recipients. If all members of the household are approved for TANF and/or SSI benefits, contact the local DCF service center about the possibility of categorical eligibility for food assistance.

Special Provisions for Kids in School
Children who get food assistance are automatically entitled to free school meals, including breakfast, lunch and milk. If you are approved for Food Assistance after the start of the school year, contact the school food service office and let them know your child(ren) are getting food assistance.

For questions about Food Assistance eligibility or assistance with completing a Food Assistance application, visit the Helpful Tips or SNAP Outreach page.

If I am eligible for Food Assistance, how much can I get?

Benefit amounts are based on household size and income after deductions. If approved, the household will receive an approval notice with the benefit amount listed.

If I am eligible for Food Assistance, what changes do I have to report?

For Food Assistance recipients, certain changes must be reported to DCF within the first 10 days of the month following the month the change occurs.
- When the amount of gross monthly income goes over 130% of the monthly poverty income guidelines for your household size.
  Gross income is the amount before any taxes are deducted.
  Examples of income sources include wages from employment, self-employment income, child support, SSI, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, and income from any other source for anyone who is included on your Food Assistance case or whose income is counted, including children. This also includes income from smaller cash jobs and self-employment, like cleaning homes, selling goods, recycling trash, or other things commonly referred to as “side hustles.”
- When a member of the Food Assistance household has lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or greater (before taxes or other amounts are withheld).
- If an able bodied adult in your Food Assistance household is age 18 through 64 and does not have dependents under age 14 (ABAWD), you must report when that person’s work hours become less than 20 hours per week.
Visit the Reporting Requirements page for information on changes that must be reported and how to report them.

How long can I qualify for Food Assistance?

There are no time limits to receiving Food Assistance as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Certain changes must be reported that may affect eligibility. Visit the Reporting Requirements page for information on changes that must be reported and how to report them.

See Are there work requirements for Food Assistance? for information on work requirements that apply to certain households in Kansas.

Are there work requirements for Food Assistance?

Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) must meet certain work requirements to continue receiving Food Assistance. ABAWDs are adults aged 18 through 64 without dependents under age 14 in the home. ABAWDs can only receive 3 months of Food Assistance in a 36-month period while they are not meeting work requirements. Click here for more information on ABAWD work requirements.

Mandatory participation of 30 hours per week in approved activities is required for certain individuals to continue receiving Food Assistance. Click here for SNAP Employment and Training information.

How do I purchase food with my Food Assistance benefits?

Monthly benefits are provided on a Kansas Benefits Card, or EBT card, that looks and acts like a debit card. Learn more about EBT cards at EBTcards.dcf.ks.gov.

Simply swipe your card at the store when purchasing food, and the cost is electronically subtracted from the card account. You can also use your EBT card at selected farmers’ markets in Kansas and to purchase groceries online at multiple retailers.

Double Up Food Bucks provides information on how to double SNAP Food Assistance dollars at select grocery stores and farmers markets in Kansas and Missouri.

What can I buy with my SNAP Food Assistance and SUN Bucks benefits?

Click here for information on what you can buy with your SNAP benefits.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to receive Food Assistance?

U.S. citizens and certain legal non-citizens are eligible for food assistance benefits when other eligibility requirements are met. If you are not eligible due to immigration status, your legal resident or citizen children may still qualify. Citizenship verification or non-citizen documentation is required for the individuals for whom you are applying.

Are there any other food assistance programs or resources available?

DCF provides several programs and resources to help meet the food needs in our communities. In addition to the state and federal food assistance programs administered by DCF, many local helping organizations distribute locally donated food through food banks, churches, or other methods. Find more information on our Food Assistance Programs page.

Additional information on DCF benefit programs is available on our Basic Needs page.

What if I have questions about Food Assistance that aren’t answered here?

For questions about Food Assistance eligibility or assistance with completing a Food Assistance application, visit the Helpful Tips or SNAP Outreach page. You may also visit your local DCF Service Center or call 1-888-369-4777.

Kansas Food Assistance Brochure

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Kansas Food Assistance Brochure Insert

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Helpful Tips When Applying for Assistance

Help with Completing a Food Assistance Application

USD Nondiscrimination Statement