Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Food Stamps With Our Guide

We Provide a Free Guide

Our FREE guide provides helpful information about how to apply for benefits. Learn more about us here.

Clear & Simple
Information
Free and easy
guide
Personalized
Offers
Get the Guide

Since the 1970s the food stamps benefits program, nationally referred to as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been available in all 50 states and United States territories. Kansas SNAP food benefits provide affordable access to food to low income families and individuals. Many items can and cannot be purchased with benefits from food stamps program as not all items found at approved grocery stores or farmers markets will provide nutritional substance to the beneficiaries. As soon as the SNAP benefits enrollment process is complete, the enrollee will be sent an EBT card in the mail. As soon as he or she receives the benefits card food stamps benefits can be used to buy approved items. Read the sections provided below to find out more about the Kansas SNAP food benefits program and how to use an EBT card.

Learn About Food Items You Can Purchase With SNAP in Kansas

The SNAP benefits program requires that beneficiaries use food stamps to buy items that offer nourishment to the beneficiary. The many types of food items can be purchased with SNAP food benefits in Kansas are listed below:

  • Dairy products
  • Produce — vegetables and fruit
  • Meats, fish and poultry
  • Breads and cereals
  • Plants and seeds

Kansas food stamps may only be used to buy plants and seeds that will be planted and grown for food such as a tomato plant. SNAP assistance can also be used to buy food typically labeled as ‘junk’ foods. These items usually include candy, soda, crackers, energy drinks, ice cream and other snack foods. Living seafood can also be purchased with an EBT card.

Items You Cannot Buy With Kansas SNAP Benefits

Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits cannot be used to purchase all items available at approved grocery stores. Food stamps benefits cannot be used to buy cleaning supplies, household items, paper goods, medicines, vitamins, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. KS SNAP benefits do not cover these items as they do not contribute to the health and nourishment of the beneficiary and in some cases, may be harmful. While vitamins and medicines may help the beneficiary’s overall health, they are not considered food items so they will not be covered by food assistance. Benefits from SNAP also cannot be used to buy livestock.

Note: For more information on SNAP, download our complete guide.

How long does it take to receive Kansas SNAP benefits after enrollment?

The Kansas food stamps assistance program has a simple process of enrollment. Individuals can apply for food stamps benefits by filling out the required form and attending an interview at the Kansas Department of Children and Families. If the SNAP applicant is accepted, he or she will receive notice within 30 days. Some applicants can be enrolled in seven days if they are in extreme need. All SNAP benefits applicants will be asked to provide information such as their Social Security Number, income and address as well as many other pieces of important information.

If a SNAP applicant is denied, he or she can file an appeal. If a SNAP benefits applicant is enrolled, he or she will be mailed an EBT card. This card provides enrollees with access to their benefits.

Kansas EBT Card Overview

Benefits for food stamps in KS are provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card or an EBT card. Each month, a predetermined amount of SNAP food benefits is deposited into the beneficiary’s account. These benefits can be used at the grocery store like a debit card or can be withdrawn from an ATM. Food stamps beneficiaries who use their benefits before the next month, will have to wait until the next deposit to have access to more benefits. Those who receive SNAP food assistance do not have to use the entirety of their benefits each month. However, if little or no benefits are used in a 12-month period, enrollees may be removed from the program.

Kansas Food stamps enrollees may appoint another person to act as an Authorized Representative and can shop for food on behalf of the enrollee.

If a SNAP beneficiary returns an item, the benefits will be returned to the balance on his or her card. Benefits from food stamps cannot be withdrawn from ATMs inside liquor stores, gambling or adult entertainment businesses.

Learn About Kansas SNAP Benefit Amounts

The amount of SNAP benefits that can be accessed by the food stamps benefits card each month is determined by many aspects of the beneficiary’s life. Income is the largest factor for determining food stamps benefits amounts as well as the amount of resources or assets. The Kansas SNAP program looks at how much money the recipient makes as well as any valuable assets he or she may have. Assets may include property or money in banking accounts. Those with less income and assets will receive more benefits.

The SNAP food benefits amount also is determined by household size. For example, a family of three will collect less food stamps assistance than a family of five. People with disabilities, who are senior citizens or are already on another form of government assistance can still apply for the program. However, the factors that determine food stamps assistance amounts may be different for these applicants.