Many more people are eligible for Food Stamps than are actually
getting them. In Baltimore, only 75% of all the people eligible for
Food Stamps actually get them. This means that there is over $22
PRP Million in unclaimed Food Stamps just in Baltimore.
WHO CAN GET FOOD STAMPS?
Individuals and families that buy and cook food
together are eligible for Food Stamps as long
as the family’s income, assets and resources are
below a certain level. A family of four with less
than $2,000 in resources and less than $3,000 in
assets can earn up to $2,097 per month and be
eligible for Food Stamps.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR FOOD STAMPS?
You can apply at your local DSS Office.
DSS has 30 days to make a decision on
your application, unless you are eligible for
emergency food stamps.
FOOD STAMPS FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
ARE FOOD STAMPS THE SAME AS
WELFARE?
No, Food Stamps are a separate program and you
do not need to be on welfare or any type of cash
assistance to receive them. There are also no
limits on how long you can receive Food Stamps.
Your Food Stamps will be issued on a card, which
can be used at the store like a credit card.
HOMELESS PERSONS REPRESENTATION PROJECT
GETTING KEEPING
FOOD STAMPS
CAN I RECEIVE FOOD STAMPS IF I HAVE A CRIMI-
NAL RECORD?
Yes. Even if you were convicted of a drug felony,
you can still get Food Stamps. Depending on the
date of your conviction you may need to take
part in drug testing and treatment programs.
I’M HOMELESS, CAN I GET FOOD STAMPS?
Yes. If you are homeless or staying in a shelter
you can get Food Stamps.
I THINK THAT DSS IS WRONG, WHAT SHOULD I
DO?
You can request to speak to a supervisor about
your case. If you are not satisfied with the results
you should file an appeal and seek legal help.
You can appeal nearly everything DSS does. You
can appeal if your benefits are terminated, or
if your application is denied or delayed. In all
notices they send, DSS must include an appeal
form. You can fill this form out and submit it.
Also, DSS should have appeal forms at each local
office. You can also call: 1-800-332-6347 and
ask for a hearing. Your worker must assist you in
making an appeal.
CAN IMMIGRANTS GET FOOD STAMPS?
Legal Immigrants can receive food stamps if:
They have been in the U.S. for 5 years,
They are under 18, or
They are disabled.
HOW TO GET EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS
If you have less than $150 in monthly income
and you have less than $100 in cash, you should
receive Food Stamps within 7 days of your ap-
plication. Although DSS is required to screen
your application to see if you should be getting
emergency help, you should tell your worker that
you want emergency Food Stamps.
MAINTAINING YOUR FOOD STAMP
ELIGIBILITY
DSS will certify you for 6 months of Food Stamps.
Before the 6 months are up you will have to re-
certify in order to continue receiving benefits.
Re-certification usually involved a face-to-face
interview. If you are unable to go to a face-to-
face interview because of work or disability you
should ask your worker to waive the interview or
schedule you during non-work hours.
If you have questions, not sure if you are eligible
or need legal help, call HPRP @
410-685-6589 or 1-800-773-4340.