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The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Puerto Rico pay for food.
If you're approved for PAN benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (or EBT card). This EBT card, called the Family Card, looks and works just like a prepaid debit card. Your Family Card can be used at certified grocery stores and other certified retailers to buy PAN-approved food items.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Puerto Rico PAN work?
- What is the PAN application process like in Puerto Rico?
- How do I know if I am eligible for PAN?
- How do I prepare to apply?
- How do I apply for PAN in Puerto Rico?
- What happens after I apply for PAN in Puerto Rico?
- How can I get help with my application?
- Other important tips to know
How does Puerto Rico PAN work?
The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN, for its name in Spanish, Programa de Asistencia Nutricional) is run by the Administration of the Socio-Economic Development of the Family (ADSEF). It was once known as Food Stamps. There are 88 local ADSEF offices in ten regions throughout Puerto Rico.
PAN 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.
What is the PAN application process like in Puerto Rico?
While the idea of applying for Puerto Rico PAN may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or ADSEF caseworker can assist you.
Generally, here are the steps to apply for Puerto Rico PAN:
- Fill out an application: You can apply for Puerto Rico PAN by visiting a local ADSEF office or service center and filling out an application. You can also fill out an application online or by telephone. Completing the form can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
- Have an interview: You must take part in an eligibility interview with a caseworker once ADSEF receives your application.
- Wait for a decision: Most Puerto Rico PAN applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application.
- Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for PAN benefits, you’ll receive your new EBT card (Family Card) in the mail with a guide on how to use it.
How do I know if I am eligible for PAN?
To be eligible for Puerto Rico PAN, your household (defined as people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together) must meet certain income and other requirements. To find out if you meet PAN guidelines or to learn more about PAN eligibility, call ADSEF at 1-787-289-7600 and speak with a representative. You can also visit the ADSEF website.
How do I prepare to apply?
When applying for Puerto Rico food assistance, 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 application process easier:
- Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
- Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
- Business expenses, if applicable
- Child care or dependent 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
- Proof of immigration status (Form 1-151 or 1-94)
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Social Security card
- Proof that children age 5 to 17 are enrolled in school or being homeschooled
- Proof of business expenses
- Proof of temporary or permanent disability
How do I apply for PAN in Puerto Rico?
There are several ways to apply for Puerto Rico food assistance. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.
You can apply for PAN online through the ADSEF portal. The process is secure, and your personal information is fully protected.
Once you arrive at the ADSEF portal:
- Enter your username and password into the system. If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an Account’ and follow the prompts.
- Once you are logged in to the system, on the Services screen, click the name of the program you’re interested in (PAN).
- The system will walk you through the PAN application step by step. Complete the form to the best of your ability, providing as much information as you can.
- Upload the requested documents.
- Choose the date and time of your virtual appointment (interview).
- An ADSEF caseworker will call you on the date of your appointment to complete the PAN review process.
To apply for PAN in person, visit a local ADSEF office or service center to complete an application. You can also apply over the phone by calling 1-787-289-7600. Once your application is submitted, you will need to schedule a pre-PAN interview, which is used to confirm the information you provided.
How can I get help with my application?
For help filling out your Puerto Rico PAN application, call 1-787-289-7600.
NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.
What happens after I apply for PAN in Puerto Rico?
It can take up to 30 days for ADSEF to process your PAN application. If you’re approved, benefits are based on the date your application is received. After applying, you must have an interview with an ADSEF caseworker. These are usually done over the phone.
What can I expect during my PAN 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 ADSEF 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 PAN interview, you may be asked questions such as:
- What is your full name and birthday?
- Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
- What is your Social Security number?
- Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
- What is your monthly income?
- What other regular bills do you have?
It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, 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 all requested information is received, you should receive a letter regarding your Puerto Rico PAN eligibility within 30 days. This notice will explain whether or not your household is eligible for food assistance benefits.
What happens after I am approved for PAN?
If you are approved for Puerto Rico PAN, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”).
Shortly after you are approved for PAN, you will receive your Family Card (EBT card) in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Going forward, benefits will be deposited electronically into your PAN account between the 4th and 22nd of each month. The date you receive benefits is based on the last digit of your Social Security number.
Other important tips to know
How can I manage my PAN benefits online?
To create or change your Family Card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, visit the EBTPR website (you must first create an account). You can also call 1-877-467-4832 (or the number on the back of your card).
Puerto Rico PAN recipients must report changes in income, resources, address, household size (increase or decrease), and any other change that may alter benefits, within 10 calendar days from the date on which the change occurs.
Do you have to renew your Puerto Rico PAN benefits?
To continue receiving food assistance benefits, you must complete the PAN Case Review process before the date your PAN benefits expire. You can request an appointment with a caseworker up to 60 days prior to expiration. Once the expiration date of your benefits has passed, you will no longer have access to them.
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.
