Food & Nutrition

Florida Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and SUNCAP Programs

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You may be eligible to receive

$118/month

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

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

If you're approved for SNAP 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 SNAP-eligible. Many farmers markets across Florida also participate in SNAP, and you can use your EBT card there as another form of payment.

The SUNCAP Program helps people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pay for food. SSI is extra money from the federal government to help you pay for everyday expenses. If you get help from SUNCAP, you may already qualify for Florida SNAP.

Frequently asked questions

How does Florida's SNAP Program work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people pay for groceries for themselves and their families. This program is operated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS). Family Resource Centers across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of assistance.

How does Florida's SUNCAP Program work?

Floriday's SUNCAP Program is a special food assistance program for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You may be eligible for SUNCAP benefits without any additional application, paperwork, or interviews. With SUNCAP, you only need to be recertified every three years through your SSI renewal.

If you already receive SNAP benefits, you may be automatically put in the SUNCAP Program when you become SSI-eligible. Note: If your benefits will go down because of SUNCAP, you can choose to continue receiving your food assistance benefits through SNAP.

If you already get SSI, but you do not get SNAP, call the DCF SUNCAP unit at 1-850-300-4323, Florida Relay 711, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY)

What is the SNAP application process like in Florida?

While the idea of applying for SNAP in Florida may seem overwhelming, it isn’t as difficult 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 Florida SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can submit an application online, in person, by mail, or by fax. Completing the application could take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Check your eligibility: Before completing your online application, you can answer a few questions to see if you or others in your household might be eligible for benefits.
Have an interview: You may be required to take part in an interview when applying for Florida food assistance.
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.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP 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 SNAP in Florida:

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a qualified noncitizen status.
You must be a resident of Florida.
Your household must meet certain income and asset (resource) limits.
You must provide a Social Security number or proof you have applied for one.
If you are age 18 to 59, and do not meet an exemption, you are required to participate in the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program.
You must live in a lawful SNAP household, defined as people who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together.

The amount of money you will get in SNAP 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 Florida SNAP income limits?

The following chart shows the maximum monthly income limits that most people or families can earn and still be eligible for SNAP in Florida. The maximum gross monthly income limit for most households is set at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

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 Florida
1	$1,255
2	$1,704
3	$2,152
4	$2,600
5	$3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

Some household expenses may be subtracted from your total monthly income to help you meet the SNAP income limit, such as dependent care, medical expenses, and legally owed child support paid. These are called deductions.

What are the Florida SNAP 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).

How do I prepare to apply for SNAP in Florida?

When applying for Florida SNAP, 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 information to make your application process easier:

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

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

Driver's license or other government-issued ID
Birth certificate
Bank statements
Pension statements
Social Security statements
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Social Security card
Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
Marriage license or divorce decree

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP 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 Florida SNAP?

There are several ways to apply for Florida SNAP. 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 Florida is online. You can trust that all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply for Florida SNAP Online

To get started:

Visit the MyACCESS website.
If you want to check your eligibility for SNAP before you submit your application, click ‘See If You Qualify’ on the MyACCESS homepage and follow the prompts.
To begin your application right away, click 'Apply Now.'

If you are a returning user with an account, click 'Log In' and enter your username and password.
If you are new to the site, click 'Create Account' and follow the instructions. (Note that the SNAP application is available in English, Spanish, and Creole. You can choose your language using the drop-down menu at the top of the page.) Creating an account allows you to save your application progress and come back later to finish—however, you do have the option to apply without a MyACCESS account.

Allow yourself 30 to 60 minutes to apply and 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 upload documents to apply. DCF will let you know what you need to provide, and you can come back to the site to upload them later. You can also mail, fax, or turn in required documents at a Family Resource Center or community partner office.

Watch a video tutorial (available in English, Spanish, and Creole).

APPLY IN PERSON

Visit your local Family Resource Center or community partner office to fill out an application. Find a location near you.

APPLY BY MAIL

Download and print an ACCESS Florida Application. Mail your completed application to any Family Resource Center or community partner office. You may also be able to submit your application by fax.

Contact the MyACCESS Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323 with questions or if you need help getting a copy of the application.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get SNAP benefits sooner in Florida if you need them (within 7 days). To qualify for expedited (faster) benefits, you must:

Have a monthly gross income less than $150 and liquid assets less than $150
Have a monthly gross income plus liquid assets less than the household rent or mortgage plus utility costs
Be a migrant or seasonal farmworker with liquid assets less than $100

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

How can I get help with my application?

There are multiple ways to get help filling out your SNAP application.

You can:

Call the MyACCESS Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323 or visit their online Help Center (if applying online).
Reach out to your nearest Family Resource Center or community partner office. Find a location near you.

Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine that you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Florida?

It can take up to 30 days for DCF to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits).

An interview is often required to be eligible for SNAP assistance in Florida (DCF will let you know if you need one). It should take about 30 to 60 minutes.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your eligibility worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions you have, and even help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, 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. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once your interview is complete and DCF has all the information it needs to make a decision, your application will be processed. If more information is needed, your caseworker will contact you by mail or phone. You should receive a Notice of Case Action (NOCA) regarding your SNAP eligibility within 30 days.

Note: It is recommended that you opt into (allow) email notifications, which will allow you to receive information about your application faster. Once you do that, you will receive an email whenever a Notice of Case Action is posted to your MyACCESS account. If you do not sign up for email notifications, DCF will send your notices by regular mail.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP in Florida?

If you are approved for SNAP, 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 Florida households, that period is 6 months. Households with older adults and/or people with disabilities who have no earned income may have a certification period of 24 months.

Within 5 to 7 days, you will receive your EBT card in the mail along with instructions on how to activate and use it. The card will be mailed in a plain, white envelope with a return address of Sioux Falls, SD. It will be automatically reloaded with your benefit amount every month.

What if my Florida SNAP application is denied?

If your SNAP application is denied and you disagree with that decision, you have the right to ask for a hearing before a state hearings officer. If you want a hearing, you must request the hearing in writing, by calling the Customer Call Center (1-850-300-4323), or by visiting a Family Resource Center within 90 days from the date at the top of your Notice of Case Action.

Other important tips and information when applying for SNAP in Florida

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 visiting the ebtEDGE website or app, or by calling the EBT Customer Service number at 1-888-356-3281. You can also contact Customer Service if you lose or damage your EBT card and need a replacement.
Report any name changes or changes of address (physical or email) within 10 days. You can report these changes through your online account at MyACCESS.

How can I manage my Florida SNAP benefits online?

You can log in to your MyACCESS account any time to review your benefits, report changes, and upload documents.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Florida?

You must renew your SNAP benefits before your certification period ends in order to avoid a disruption in benefits. You’ll get a Notice of Action in the mail when it’s time to renew. You can renew online via your MyACCESS account, through the Florida SNAP hotline (1-866-762-2237), or at any Family Resource Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

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