The Mississippi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. Eligibility criteria, income and resource limits and allotment maximums per household size are set by Federal laws and regulations governing SNAP under United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). A person who meets one of the following criteria may qualify for SNAP:

• Work for low wages
• Unemployed or work part-time
• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other assistance payments
• Elderly or disabled and live on a small income

Additional eligibility requirements exist. You will need to work with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Economic Assistance Office to determine whether you are eligible for benefits. To apply for benefits, you must submit an application to your local county Department of Human Services Economic Assistance office. After an application is received, an eligibility worker will hold an interview with you, another member of the household, or a household’s authorized representative to gather information and explain SNAP. After all required verifications are completed, the household will be notified by mail whether or not they are eligible, and, if so, their benefit amount, certification period and issuance procedure. If you qualify for SNAP, the household will receive SNAP no later than 30 days from the date the office receives the application. Households with very low income and resources may qualify for expedited services receive benefits within seven calendar days.