$158/month

When applying for Kansas SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month.

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

• Proof of identity, such as a driver's license or other government-issued I.D. 
• Non-citizen documentation, if you are not a U.S. citizen
• Social Security number for you and any household members who are applying for food assistance
• Proof of your monthly earnings from the last 30 days, such as recent pay stubs
• Copy of a check or benefit statement from Social Security, pensions, SSI, or other unearned income
• Receipts for child care or dependent care costs
• Utility and rent bills (or proof of mortgage and property tax payments, if you own your home)
• Proof of any assets you have, such as bank accounts, trust accounts, stocks, or bonds
• Proof of prior or ongoing medical costs for older adults or people with a disability, such as medication, doctor bills, and hospital bills

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. All SNAP applications are 100% confidential, ensuring all of the information and documents you provide are protected and secure. 

Tips for success:

• Step-by-step instructions: For detailed help in setting up your account, download the DCF Self-Service Portal User Manual. You can also call the Help Desk at 1-877-782-7358.
• Language options: The Portal is available in both English and Spanish. You can switch to Spanish by clicking the four bars at the top left of your screen and clicking 'Language' and selecting 'Spanish-Español’ from the drop-down menu.
• TTY services: People who are deaf or hard of hearing or have speech disabilities should contact DCF Customer Service at 1-785-296-1491 (TTY). 

You may also apply for SNAP by mail. To do this, begin by downloading and printing out the Kansas SNAP paper application.

• Kansas SNAP Application (English)
• Kansas SNAP Application (Spanish)

As you fill out your SNAP application, make sure to provide as much information as you can. If you need assistance, call the Kansas DCF Help Desk at 1-877-782-7358 who can walk you through the application. You may also download DCF's Applying for Benefits guide, available in English and Spanish.   

Once completed, you may mail your application to the nearest Kansas DCF office. Find Your DCF Office.

There are multiple options available should you need help filling out your Kansas SNAP application. You can:

• Reach out to your nearest DCF Service Center or call DCF Customer Service at 1-888-369-4777.
• Contact a DCF Food Assistance Outreach partner. See a list of partners here. 
• Call the Harvesters SNAP Helpline at 1-877-653-9522. Their staff can answer your questions and help you complete an application over the phone.
• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See if there’s one where you live. 

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

It can take up to 30 days for Kansas DCF to process your application. Soon after you apply, your DCF caseworker will call you to schedule your required SNAP interview.

Not to worry—the purpose of the interview is not to confuse you or try to disqualify you from the program. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DCF caseworker 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 interview, you may have to answer questions like:

• 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 interview appointment. 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. You should receive a notice of decision regarding your Food Assistance eligibility within 30 days. This notice shows whether or not your household is eligible for benefits. 

What happens once I am approved for Kansas SNAP?

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

Within a few days, you will receive your Kansas Benefits Card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. It will be automatically reloaded with your Food Assistance benefit amount every month. Going forward, the first letter of your last name determines which day you get benefits, which are issued from the 1st through the 10th of every month.

If you think you should be getting Kansas Food Assistance but are denied benefits, or the benefit amount is less than you think it should be, you can request a fair hearing. Your local DCF office will explain the hearing procedure and supply you with the necessary forms. If requested, staff at your local DCF office can help you fill out the forms and mail them to the Office of Administrative Hearings. You must request a fair hearing within 90 days of the decision or final action you want reviewed.

• How can I manage my benefits? 
  Once you are approved for Food Assistance, you can view and manage your benefits online through your DCF Self-Service Portal account.
• How do I check my EBT card balance?
  The best way to check your Kansas Benefits Card balance is to look at your last grocery store receipt. You can also call the number listed on the back of your card or visit EBTEdge.com. If you've lost your Kansas Benefits Card, call the EBT customer service line at 1-800-997-6666 to request a new one. Local DCF Service Centers cannot issue a replacement card.
• Do I need to report a change of address to DCF? Report any name changes or changes of address right away by calling DCF or through the Portal. Your Kansas Benefits Card might not be accepted at shopping locations if your card information does not match.