- Home
- Departments
- Community Services
- Economic Support
- Food Support/SNAP
Food Support (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP)
The SNAP program is for people and families with low incomes. Households must meet certain requirements and provide information/verification about their income. To learn if you may be eligible for SNAP, please see the information below, or check out the SNAP official website thru the Department of Human Services.
- Complete the Online Application at MNbenefits.
- Complete a paper application called a Combined Application Form (CAF) and submit it by mail or fax to any of our four Washington County offices.
- Visit any of the four offices and pick one up in person.
The SNAP program does require an interview. The interview can be scheduled to be done over the phone if you mail in or drop off your application or it can also be done in person at any of our four offices Monday through Friday from 8 - 11 a.m.
- Completing page one of the CAF and submitting it to one of the offices sets the date of the application. This is important because the SNAP benefits are prorated in the month that you apply.
- An application is not complete until an interview has been completed by an Eligibility Specialist.
- If you meet certain criteria you may be eligible for Expedited SNAP (PDF). In order to receive expedited benefits you still must complete an interview and provide proof of identity.
- You may be required to provide other proofs such as income and residency.
- Your Eligibility Specialist will provide you a list of things you need to verify at your interview.
Once your benefits have been approved you will be issued an electronic benefit card (EBT). The card will be mailed to you. You can access your benefits at any store that accepts EBT cards. The card can only be used for food purchases. It is always good practice to call and find out the balance of your benefits before going to the store.
Questions or Problems with accessing your benefits?
- View EBT FAQs (PDF)
- Customer Service: Phone 1-888-997-2227
If you were denied SNAP benefits or if your benefits closed you have the Right to Appeal (PDF).
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, Washington County is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. You have the right to file a complaint if you believe you were treated in a discriminatory way by our agency.