In Kansas, the Economic and Employment Support (EES) Food Assistance is under the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. This program is a part of the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) that was once known as the Food Stamp Program. EES Food Assistance provides low income families with food benefits, including access to a healthy and nutritional diet, as well as education on preparing food and nutrition that is not readily available. The food assistance program aims to end hunger in Kansas and provide families with efficient information on how to sustain healthy food. Low income households use food stamps to supplement their grocery budget and purchase nutritious food on a specified list of allowed foods. You can also purchase seeds to grow food naturally. You can find out more about the type of products that you can buy with an EBT card in Kansas by going to the Food Assistance Program website. Here you can find out more about the program, learn about how food assistance works and what you need to apply. Eligibility requirements are also listed on the website and will give you a better look at income and asset limits for Kansas residents.
There are restrictions on who can apply for food stamp benefits in Kansas. If you work but have a low income, or you do not work, you may be eligible to apply. Persons who live together and buy food together may be eligible, however household members do not have to be related to considered part of a household. You can apply online through Kansas SRS Online. This website also has a self-assessment that will help you determine if you qualify for food stamps. You need some basic information about yourself to finish the application, such as your name, social security number, current address, proof of residency, income and assets. You can also go to resource link to find a printable form to take to a local office. Once you are ready to apply, click on the "Go" icon and it will take you to the application online. You have to fill out some basic questions as well to further assess if you qualify for benefits. You will be contacted after the application processes for an eligibility interview.
There are income requirements that determine who will receive food stamps. For a family of 5 persons, your income amount cannot exceed $2171. Household resources also count towards your eligibility. These must be reported when you apply. To cover basic household expenses, a standard deduction will be subtracted, as well as to cover work-related expenses and payroll taxes, dependent care expenses, high shelter expenses and legally obligated child support payments. Once you are approved, you will receive an EBT card in the mail along with an approval letter. Your electronic funds are determined based on your income and household size. You may receive more benefits depending on your situation, which is usually determined in the follow-up interview. You can use the card like cash at any SNAP retailer or food store, such as a grocer or super market.
SNAP is the federal name for the food assistance programs. Every state has multiple SNAP locations. In fact, every county should have multiple locations where you can use your card. You can find specific locations near you using the SNAP retailer locator on the federal website. You can contact 1-888-369-4777 for a list of SNAP and food stamp retailers, as well as request forms or an address of the nearest SRS office in Kansas. You may also be interested in the Kansas Commodity Food Programs. You can find more information about these food distribution programs at the EES website.