A Montana food stamps renewal request must be filed by current beneficiaries to continue to receive benefits. Participants are required to file a food stamps renewal application before benefits expire to avoid a lapse in assistance. However, just because a petitioner completes an SNAP renewal application does not mean that he or she will automatically receive benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides assistance to needy families and individuals who meet the requirements to receive food stamps. Applicants can choose to renew food stamps online, by mail or in person, once they know which documents are required to complete the renewal process.

What is a Montana food stamps renewal?

Petitioners must submit an application to renew food stamps because these benefits do not automatically renew. An MT food stamps renewal application may feature some of the same required fields as an initial SNAP application. However, the food stamps renewal paperwork is less tedious, as the claimant has already met the SNAP eligibility requirements. When the SNAP renewal application is submitted, the Department of Public Health and Human Services assesses the information provided to determine if the applicant is still eligible to get food stamps and if the current benefit amount needs to be adjusted.

Learn more about SNAP requirements in our free guide.

What is needed to renew food stamps in Montana?

When applicants want to complete a food stamps renewal in Montana, they need to provide as much information as possible to help ensure there are no unnecessary delays. While an application to renew food stamps can be initiated with only the name, address and signature of the petitioner, the paperwork is considered incomplete and the request cannot be processed until all required information has been provided. Much of the information needed is up-to-date verification of the claimant’s financial position.

Some pieces of information that the applicant is required to provide when submitting paperwork to renew Montana food stamps include details surrounding their financial status as well as household members. Applicants need to provide information about their household members in the SNAP renewal application because this can influence the amount of benefits distributed. Income thresholds and number of household members correspond, and participants may have SNAP benefits denied if there income has increased since the initial application or there are fewer household members.

Regarding financial status, petitioners need to share their current income and living expenses as well as details surrounding employment history. Proof of this may be required in the food stamps SNAP renewal application. If requested, applicants may need to provide copies of their paystubs and living expenses (such as their utility bills, mortgage or rent) as well as other documentation. Before the SNAP renewal application is considered complete, applicants may also need to complete an interview.

Learn About Ways to Submit a Food Stamps Renewal Application in Montana

Once applicants understand what information the MT food stamps renewal application must contain, then they need to decide which submission method they want to use. Petitioners can choose to renew food stamps online or by mil. They also have the option of renewing Montana food stamps in person if they need assistance or have questions about their claim.

How to Renew Food Stamps Online

Applicants who want to know how to renew food stamps online need to establish login credentials to access the web portal. To renew food stamps online, petitioners can use the same username and passwords created when first applying for food stamps. If applicants have not used the online portal before, they will need to create an account to submit the renewal request.

How to Renew Food Stamps by Mail

Petitioners can also choose to submit a food stamps renewal application in Montana through the mail. If applicants decide to renew food stamps through this method, then they need to account for the time it takes to send items through the mail. In order to prevent benefits from being cancelled or delayed, a food stamps benefits renewal application needs to be received and processed before the specified deadline. Petitioners who choose to mail their application need to keep these factors in mind. Furthermore, applicants also need to verify that when they send the SNAP benefits renewal through the mail that they send the documents to the correct office. If the application is sent to the wrong office, then this can potentially cause a delay in the renewal process.

How to Renew Food Stamps in Person

Applicants can also choose to renew food stamps in Montana by visiting a local office and dropping off the required documentation. If choosing this method to renew Montana food stamps, the applicant needs to verify that he or she goes to the correct local office to personally deliver the documents. Furthermore, the petitioner also needs to confirm if an appointment is needed to deliver the renewal paperwork.

Note: Applicants can also fax the MT food stamps renewal application to the appropriate local office.

Learn what to do if SNAP benefits are denied after a renewal request by downloading our comprehensive guide.