Food & Nutrition
Alabama Food Assistance Program
15 min read
Printer iconPrint Page
Share

You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Alabama Food Assistance Program, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and formerly as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Alabama pay for food. 

If you're approved for Food Assistance benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). An EBT card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, and can be used at most grocery stores, superstores, and some online retailers to buy foods that are Food Assistance-eligible. Many farmers markets across Alabama also participate in the program, and you can use your EBT card there as another form of payment.

Frequently asked questions

How does the Food Assistance Program in Alabama work?

Alabama's Food Assistance Program, known federally as SNAP, helps people pay for groceries for themselves and their families. This program is operated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (or DHR) Food Assistance Division. DHR county offices across the state provide local support for people who receive Food Assistance and other types of aid. 

Food Assistance can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items eligible under this program, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Alabama?

While applying for Alabama Food Assistance may seem overwhelming, it isn’t as hard as you might think. If you need help, a friend, family member, or caseworker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Alabama Food Assistance:

  1. Fill out an application: You can submit an application online, in person, by mail, by email, or by fax. Completing the application could take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. If you're filling out an application online, you need to make a MyDHR account first.
  2. Have an interview: After your application is received, you will be required to take part in a telephone or face-to-face interview.
  3. Wait for a decision: Most applications are processed within 30 days. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
  4. Receive your SNAP EBT card: If you’re approved for benefits, you’ll receive an EBT card pre-loaded with money for groceries in the mail.

How do I know if I'm eligible for SNAP?

To qualify for Food Assistance in Alabama, you must:

  • Live in a lawful Food Assistance household, defined as people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or have a qualified noncitizen status.
  • Be a resident of Alabama.
  • Meet certain household income and asset (resource) limits. 
  • Provide a Social Security Number for each member requesting benefits. If a household member does not have a number, they must apply for one. 
  • Meet certain work requirements, with some exceptions. 

The amount of money you will get in Alabama Food Assistance benefits depends on:

  • How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
  • How many people live with you

What are the Alabama Food Assistance income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still get Food Assistance. These figures are effective for 2024 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just click on the green button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size Maximum monthly income in Texas
1 $ 1,255
2 $ 1,704
3 $ 2,152
4 $ 2,600
5 $ 3,049
For each additional person, add: +$ 449

To determine if you meet the income limit for Food Assistance, DHR will add up your household's countable income and then subtract certain deductions. These deductions can help you meet the income cap by lowering your countable income.

Some examples of allowable income deductions are:  

  • Earned income deduction (20% of gross earnings)
  • Standard deduction (based on household size)
  • Allowable medical expenses over $35 per household (for older members 60+ or members with a disability)
  • Dependent care deduction 
  • Child support deduction (for legally obligated child support)
  • Shelter deduction 

What are the Alabama Food Assistance asset (resource) limits?

Most households can have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, and property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,750 ($4,250 if the household has an adult age 60+ or a person with a disability).

What should I do before I apply for the Food Assistance Program in Alabama?

When applying for Alabama Food Assistance, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. You must include all people in your household who eat with you.

Before you start, gather the following basic information to make your application process easier: 

  • Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members 
  • Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
  • Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs 
  • Child care or dependent care costs  

During your interview later on, you will be asked to provide documents that verify (prove) the information above. Some of this information can be verified simply by showing the interviewer your online accounts using your smartphone. 

Proof of income:

  • Pay stubs
  • Self-employment records
  • Social Security letters
  • Veterans’ benefits statements
  • Unemployment benefits statements
  • Child support statements
  • Pension statements
  • Dividend statements
  • Bank account statements 

Proof of expenses:

  • Receipts/invoices showing self-employment expenses
  • Rent: Lease agreement or rent receipts
  • Mortgage statements
  • Homeowners association fee invoices
  • Invoices showing home insurance premiums and taxes
  • Utility bills: Power, gas, phone, water, etc.
  • Proof of paying court-ordered child support
  • Receipts/invoices for child care costs
  • Medical receipts and bills for anyone age 60+ or who has a disability
  • Your landlord’s name, address, and phone number, if applicable
  • The names, addresses, and phone numbers of two people (not related to anyone in the home) who can provide information about the people living in the home

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your Food Assistance application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for Alabama Food Assistance?

There are several ways to apply for Alabama Food Assistance. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you. 

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for food stamps in Alabama is online. You can trust that all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology. 

To get started:

  • Visit the MyDHR website. 
  • To begin your application, click 'Apply Now' in the blue bar at the top. 
  • On the next screen, click 'Create a New MyDHR Account.' The system will walk you through the process of creating a user account. 
  • Once you’re logged in to your account, click ‘Start Application.’ 
  • On the next screen, you will see information about completing an application. When you finish reading each section, click the ‘Next’ button.
  • When it’s time to enter your personal information, follow the prompts to complete your Alabama Food Assistance application. 
  • Allow yourself 30 to 60 minutes to apply. Fill out as much information as you can, since that can speed up your approval process. Be ready to share details about the money you earn and the things you pay for/own. 
  • You do not have to provide documents to complete an application. DHR will let you know what you need to bring to your interview after your application is received.

Create Your MyDHR Account

QUICK TIPS:

  • People who are deaf or hard of hearing or have speech disabilities can use the Alabama Relay Service by dialing 711 or by calling 1-800-548-2546 (TTY).
  • To get free interpretation assistance, click on your language of choice at the top of the MyDHR website.
APPLY IN PERSON

Visit your local DHR county office to fill out an application. Find a location near you or call 1-833-822-2202.

APPLY BY MAIL, FAX, OR EMAIL

Download and print an Alabama Food Assistance application form using the links below. 

Mail, fax, or email your completed application to the DHR county office closest to you or drop it off in person. For addresses, contact an office near you or call 1-833-822-2202.

Is everyone in your household age 60 or older? 

The Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project (AESAP) was created to simplify the Food Assistance Program application process for households with older members. Applicants must also have no earned income in the month of application.

The benefits of AESAP include:

  • Simple 2-page application
  • 3-year benefits certification 
  • No face-to-face interview required


If you meet AESAP requirements, print and complete the Food Assistance simplified application.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Food Assistance benefits sooner in Alabama if you need them (within 7 calendar days). To qualify for expedited (faster) benefits, you must meet these requirements:  

  • Your Food Assistance household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid resources (cash, checking or savings accounts) of $100 or less. 
  • Your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income and liquid resources.
  • A member of your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker.

Need food today? Visit the Feeding Alabama website to find resources in your area while you wait for your Food Assistance application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are multiple options available should you need help filling out your Alabama Food Assistance application.

You can:

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559

What happens after I apply for Food Assistance in Alabama?

It can take up to 30 days for DHR to process your Food Assistance application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). An interview is required once your application is received. You can choose between a phone interview and an in-person interview.

What can I expect during my interview?

Before your appointment, gather up any paperwork you have proving your household income and expenses. Don’t worry if you are missing something; your caseworker will tell you what documents are still needed before a decision on benefits can be made. They can even help you get the information you need if you’re having trouble. 

You may be asked questions such as:

  • What is your full name and birthday?
  • What is your Social Security number?
  • Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
  • Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
  • What is your monthly income?
  • Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
  • What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your appointment, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. 

The purpose of the Food Assistance interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your caseworker can tell you more about the program and answer any questions.

Once your interview is complete, your application will be processed. If more information is needed, your caseworker will contact you by mail or phone. You should receive a notice regarding your Food Assistance eligibility within 30 days.

What happens after I am approved for Alabama Food Assistance?

If you are approved for Food Assistance, you will receive a notice explaining your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get them for (this is called your “certification period”). For most Alabama households, that period is 12 months. 

Once approved, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Ongoing benefits are issued every month over a span of 20 days, from the 4th to the 23rd. The day your benefits are deposited is based on the last two digits of your case number.

You can also use your Alabama EBT card in your local area to get discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

What if my Alabama Food Assistance application is denied? 

If your Food Assistance application is denied and you disagree with that decision, you have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of the decision. The request may be made orally or in writing to the County Department of Human Resources. For free legal advice, contact Legal Services Alabama at 1-866-456-4995 or through their website at AlabamaLegalHelp.org.

Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Alabama

What are important things I should know?

The best way to check your EBT balance is to look at your last grocery store receipt. You can also get your balance by calling the Alabama EBT hotline at 1-800-997-8888. Contact the hotline if you lose or damage your EBT card and need a replacement.

Food Assistance households are required to complete a report form in the sixth month of the certification period. This is the time to report any changes in address, adjustments in household size, or changes to income, rent, savings, or child support. The form will be mailed to your household the month before the report is due. 

Certain changes must be reported within 10 days.

These include: 

  • Income increases that put your household over the monthly limit
  • When an adult without a disability or a child (called an ABAWD) begins working or training fewer than 20 hours a week
  • Receipt of any lottery/gambling winnings
How can I manage my Alabama Food Assistance benefits online? 

You can log in to your MyDHR account at any time to check your application status, review your benefits, and complete your recertification for benefits. You can also report changes from your account and complete your 6-month report.

When should you renew your Food Assistance benefits in Alabama?

You must renew your benefits before your certification period ends in order to avoid a disruption in benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew. You can renew your benefits online, over the phone, or at any DHR county office.

Quick Links
Food & Nutrition Not sure if you should apply?
Related Resources
The Senior Nutrition Program (Community or Group Meals)The Senior Nutrition Program (Community or Group Meals)
Senior Nutrition Program – Home Delivered MealsSenior Nutrition Program – Home Delivered Meals
What Do They Ask in a SNAP Interview?What Do They Ask in a SNAP Interview?
See What Key Benefits Programs You May Qualify For

BenefitsCheckUp helps assess whether you can get help from programs before you apply. Answer questions anonymously to find out if you may be eligible for key benefits assistance, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - Extra Help, among others. 

two women looking at cellphone