The Food Stamp Program is designed to promote better nutrition for low-income families by increasing their food purchasing power.  Applicants must be US Citizens or Naturalized Citizens or qualify under certain restricted alien guidelines.  Unless exempt for disability or specified family needs, applicants must register with the Employment Security Commission and find work.

• full names for all household members
• social security numbers for all household members
• ID for person applying
• proof of all income of any source
• verification of all resources, for example bank accounts, 40lK, vehicles, etc.
• proof of shelter expenses
• proof of utility expenses
• other information may be required, depending on the situation. If so, it will be requested at the application interview.

For more information about Food Stamp eligibility, click here for the State Food Stamp desk reference. 

Persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or those who are over 60 years of age may be entitled to certain medical deductions. If so, they will be asked to provide verification of these expenses. These recipients must meet the net income scale. All other recipients must meet the gross income scale.

At each application the interviewer screens for emergency assistance. If one is determined eligible for emergency assistance, the food stamp allotment will be available within 7 days. Otherwise, benefits would be received within 30 days if eligible.

Food Stamp allotments vary according to the number of eligible household members, income, resources, deductions and other eligibility factors.

Benefits are issued by an electronic benefits card, which is used just like a bank debit or credit card. Each time the card is used the amount of the purchase is automatically deducted from the food stamp benefits balance. A receipt will be given at the time of purchase showing the remaining balance in the Food Stamp account.

The Program Integrity Unit investigates and reviews cases to insure proper administration of the public assistance programs.

Over issuance can occur by intentional or unintentional misrepresentation.

Anyone can report fraud or abuse of any Social Service program. We accept anonymous calls and appreciate any information that is reported to the Program Integrity Unit. If you suspect someone is committing fraud or misrepresenting facts, we encourage you to call and report any information you may have. The switchboard telephone number is 982-6100. The investigators are Beth Efird – 986-2053 and Beverly Seegars 986-2049.

If an incorrect payment occurs, we determine the cause of the overpayment and establish a claim. All over issued payments must be repaid. If an overpayment occurred due to fraudulent means, there are several options for repayment of claims. Some cases are best resolved through administrative avenues. Others contain evidence which points toward intentional program violations and should be considered for criminal prosecution.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a program that provides a one-time cash payment to help with the cost of heating for eligible households. Applications are usually taken in November with the one-time payment mailed out the following February.

A household must be subject to the rising cost of heating and be responsible for paying all or a portion of the heating expense. Countable income must be at or below 110% of the current poverty level to be eligible for this program. The household must meet certain reserve requirements.