Often called expedited food stamps or emergency food stamps, this program was created to help individuals and families who needed food assistance within the first week of application. When immediate financial assistance is necessary, emergency food stamps are available for persons with income that is less than $150 per month and assets of about $100 or less. In addition, the recipient must have a monthly rent or mortgage and utility expenses that are more than his total income monthly as well as any liquid assets. Emergency food stamps can be given to seasonal farm workers and migrants.
You need to visit the Department of Social Services office or a social security's office. In some states, the department name is different and there is a separate office that you must inquire to. You can visit our front page at FoodStamps.org, just click on your state and then find the link for your state's food stamp office. Once you go to the office or call the office, you'll need to fill out a food stamp application and meet the eligibility requirements for emergency food assistance.
All food stamp applicants and recipients are assigned a caseworker. Once you apply, you'll have a caseworker who will interview you and talk about different options with food assistance. In some cases, even if you don't qualify for emergency aid, a caseworker can send you to food banks or other hunger advocates in the area that will provide aid to you.
You have to bring proper identification, proof of citizenship, proof of income, social security number information for each person in the house, proof of shelter expenses and out of pocket child care, as well as any court-ordered child support payments. You won't be able to receive emergency aid if you have more than $100 monthly income and are able to pay your mortgage.
If approved, there's still a three to seven day window in which you won't have aid. This is actually a shorter period of the normal 30 day window. In some cases, if you need assistance within 24 hours, you'll receive food assistance by groups that partner with state food stamp offices, such as the food bank system in your state.
Emergency help is only for the extremely needy. If you are able to afford your bills but you just want aid earlier, you won't be able to qualify in most cases. However, caseworkers are the ones who determine what type of aid if you qualify for any.