Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards, The New Food Stamp
Homeless persons, including some non-U.S. citizens, and household members living with them may be eligible to receive food stamps.
Food stamps are no longer issued in the form of “stamps,” but as an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a debit card at grocery stores and other places that sell food. To receive them go to your local food stamp office and fill out an application. You will then be scheduled for an interview with a caseworker who will determine your eligibility. You will not need to provide photo identification, but will need some proof of identity and income when you apply. If you do not have a birth certificate, you may use a “collateral contact” like a shelter caseworker who can verify your identity. Once you receive your EBT card, you will not need to use it for meals provided by the shelter.
An individual earning up to $1,127 per month in income may qualify for up to $200 per month in benefits. Generally, the less money or higher shelter costs you have, the more food stamps you get. Benefit payments are added to the EBT card automatically every month. In DC, registration for food stamps is good for at least a year, six months if you are homeless or have no fixed address. However, if your income changes, you must tell the food stamps office. If you lie on the form or to your caseworker, you will have to repay the cost of the stamps and could also be arrested.
DC Hunger Solutions offers an excellent pamphlet explaining the DC Food Stamps Program. To find an office in DC, call 211 for the address, which will open on weekdays at 7:30 a.m. except holidays. You can access it online at http://www.dchunger.org/pdf/get_foodstamps_dc08.pdf, visit their office at 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW or call 202-986-2200.
