Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

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When attaining New Hampshire SNAP food benefits, beneficiaries should be aware of the food items they can purchase with benefits and items that are not approved by the program. Since food stamps benefits are provided to low income families to assist them in obtaining healthy and nutritious food, the program guides beneficiaries to making food choices that are useful and nourishing. Benefits for food stamps program are issued to families who qualify though an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, making it easy and convenient to utilize the financial assistance. SNAP beneficiaries should learn how to use the EBT benefit card food stamp so they can get the most out of program benefits and keep their financial assistance secure and protected. To learn more about what can be purchased with SNAP food stamp benefits using the EBT card and the issuance of program benefits, review the information below.

Learn About Food Items You Can Purchase With SNAP in New Hampshire

Food stamps in New Hampshire can be used by program beneficiaries to purchase a wide range of healthy food items and ingredients that can be combined to create nutritious meals for family members at home. SNAP food stamps are aimed at allowing families to maintain a healthy lifestyle, even while experiencing a financial hardship. NH SNAP benefits can be used to purchase useful food items, including dairy products, fruits, vegetables, meats, cereals and breads. Food stamp benefits can also be used by beneficiaries to purchase seeds or plants with the sole purpose of human consumption. For example, herb, vegetable and fruit plants, trees and seeds can be purchased using program benefits.

NH food stamps benefits encourage beneficiaries to provide healthy meals to their families through nutrition education and financial assistance towards wholesome food items. The EBT food stamp benefit card can be used at participating New Hampshire farmer’s markets and other retailers that accept the payment type.

While food stamp program benefits can still be used to buy ‘junk food’ items like cookies, candy and soft drinks, program beneficiaries are urged to purchase food items with more sustenance and nutritional value.

Items You Cannot Buy With New Hampshire SNAP Benefits

SNAP food benefits cannot be used to buy all items available on the shelves of authorized retailers. There are items that are not considered ‘food’ and therefore, a food stamp benefit card cannot be used to purchase them. Some of the items that New Hampshire SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy include:

  • Household items, cleaning products and pet supplies
  • Vitamins, medicines and supplements
  • Beer, liquor, wine, cigarettes or other tobacco products
  • Foods that can be eaten in the store, or hot foods

Food stamp card benefits cannot be used to purchase energy drinks that are classified by the Food and Drug Administration as supplements and have a supplemental label attached to them. SNAP program benefits cannot be used to buy gifts or gift baskets that contain non-food items making up one half or more of the basket. Gift baskets that include alcohol or tobacco products are also not approved items for purchase with SNAP benefits.

How Long Does It Take to Receive New Hampshire SNAP Benefits After Enrollment?

After completing the application process to receive SNAP food benefits in New Hampshire, an applicant should receive a notification from the Department of Health and Human Services within 30 days. Food stamp benefit applicants who can complete an interview with a Family Services Specialist and present all requested documentation to the department quickly will receive notifications in less than 30 days after applying. Expedited SNAP program benefits may be available for applicants who can prove they earn extremely low income and are in urgent need of financial assistance for food. Expedited NH SNAP benefits may be issued to an applicant within seven days if the Family Services Specialist deems it necessary. While the applicant may not be required to complete all application steps before receiving a food stamp benefit card, the mandatory interview and presentation of requested documentation will need to be completed at a later date to continue receiving benefits.

Note: Get tips on how to apply for SNAP by downloading our complete guide.

New Hampshire EBT Card Overview

New Hampshire food stamps benefits are issued to each approved applicant through an EBT card. The SNAP benefit card also comes with instructions on setting up a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and using the online system to check transactions and balances. SNAP benefits are automatically deposited into a beneficiary’s account each month that he or she remains eligible for the program. The NH benefit card food stamp program works the same way a debit card works. The beneficiary chooses approved food items and visits the cash register. SNAP food stamp benefits are accessed using the EBT card on the Point of Sale system or by handing the card to the cashier. The beneficiary will be required to type in his or her PIN associated with the card for security purposes. Upon completion of the transaction, the food stamps benefits used in the purchase are taken from the beneficiary’s account. The SNAP food stamps card online portal allows the beneficiary to check his or her account balance, change the PIN and report any EBT card issues.

Learn About New Hampshire SNAP Benefit Amounts

The amount of NH SNAP benefits issued to an approved program applicant depends on the statements made on the application. Some of the factors taken into consideration when calculating SNAP food stamps payments include:

  • The amount of income earned.
  • The amount of monthly expenses incurred.
  • The size of the household and its members.

Since New Hampshire SNAP food benefits are based on these specific factors, a program beneficiary must report any changes in his or her household to the Department of Health and Human Services promptly. SNAP food stamp benefit amounts may need to be recalculated for households that have experienced changes in the income, expenses or household member composition.