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

The WY SNAP food benefits program assists needy families and individuals with financial assistance for food while they are working or attempting to work but still experiencing a low income. Food stamps benefits are issued to qualifying applicants so they can purchase USDA-approved food items at local authorized retailers, ensuring they can provide healthy meals each day for themselves and family members. The Wyoming SNAP benefits are issued to eligible program recipients each month and the amount awarded to each beneficiary depends on his or her household characteristics and financial situation. Benefits for food stamps program are issued to each beneficiary using a simple Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so no actual paper or stamps are used. The benefit card food stamps in WY makes it easy and convenient for beneficiaries to always know their balances and use their benefits discreetly at local participating grocery stores. To find out what food items can be purchased using food stamp benefits, how they are calculated and how the EBT card works review the following sections.

Note: For more a more in-depth overview of SNAP benefits, download our guide.

Learn About Food items You Can Purchase With SNAP in Wyoming

Recipients of Wyoming SNAP food stamp benefits are encouraged to spend their monthly benefit amount on healthy and nutritious food to prepare meals at home. The USDA sets guidelines on the food items that can be purchased with food stamps benefits, but the approved food item categories are kept broad so recipients have many choices. SNAP food stamps can be used to purchase unhealthy or expensive items like lobster, candy, steak and soft drinks, although beneficiaries should focus on stretching the monthly budget and providing nutrient-dense options to family members. The categories of food items that can be bought with WY SNAP benefits include the following:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Meats
  • Dairy
  • Grains

SNAP food stamp benefits can also be used to buy seeds, plants or trees that will produce food meant for human consumption. Live seafood like shrimp and scallops are approved food SNAP benefit items and can be purchased with an EBT card.

Items You Cannot Buy With Wyoming SNAP Benefits

Wyoming SNAP food benefits can only be used at authorized retailers that accept the EBT card. Food stamp benefits may be accepted at grocery stores, other retailers and qualifying restaurants that offer low-cost meals to beneficiaries who are homeless, elderly or disabled. Benefits for food stamps program in WY cannot be used to purchase non-food items, including household products, cosmetics, pet supplies or toiletries. Additionally, a beneficiary cannot use the food stamp EBT card to purchase the following types of products:

  • Alcohol or tobacco
  • Supplements, vitamins or medicines
  • Hot foods
  • Foods prepared to be consumed in the store

SNAP benefits in Wyoming cannot be used to purchase food items that are intended for resale or exchange. Food stamp benefits cannot be used to buy kitchenware, cooking utensils or other household items.

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

Before a program applicant can receive food stamps benefits in Wyoming, he or she must thoroughly complete and submit an application, attend an in-person or phone interview with a Department of Family Services caseworker and submit any requested documentation or identification. After a SNAP food stamp application has been submitted, the Department of Family Services has 30 days to respond with a notice of denial or approval.

WY SNAP benefits applicants who have an extremely low income and an urgent need for financial food assistance may qualify to receive benefits within seven days of applying. Applicants who think they may qualify for expedited SNAP food stamps should complete the expedited portion of the application, submit it to the Department of Family Services in person and present identification or documentation to a caseworker. After the first benefits for food stamps program payment is made to the beneficiary, he or she may be responsible for completing all other application steps, including a thorough completion of the full application and an interview with a caseworker, before additional benefit payments are issued.

Wyoming EBT Card Overview

The only way for Wyoming food stamp benefit recipients to access their benefits is by activating and using the food stamps benefit EBT card. The WY food stamp benefit card is sent in the mail with instructions for activation and set up, instructing beneficiaries to establish a personal identification number (PIN) for security purposes. After choosing approved food items and visiting an authorized retailer’s checkout lane, the SNAP food benefits recipient can use the credit card machine to access benefits and complete the transaction. The amount of SNAP food stamps used for the purchase are taken out of the beneficiary’s account.

Wyoming food stamps benefits are deposited into a beneficiary’s account on the same day each month, if he or she remains eligible for the program. Administrative food stamp benefit card duties, like ordering a replacement card or checking the account balance, can be completed online after the beneficiary registers for a user account with the customer portal. It is important for benefits for food stamps program recipients to keep track of their account balances so they can adhere to monthly food budgets and ensure their benefits are secure.

Learn About Wyoming SNAP Benefit Amounts

The Department of Family Services uses the information given on the application and in the interview to determine the amount of Wyoming food stamp benefits that are issued to each approved applicant. Caseworkers review an applicant’s earned income, monthly expenses, access to resources and assets and household members when determining the amount of WY SNAP benefits he or she will receive. Since these factors can change, it is important for applicants and beneficiaries to report any household or financial changes to the Department of Family Services so the amount issued to the benefit card food stamp can be correctly determined. The SNAP benefit recipient is held accountable for reporting these changes to avoid an under or overpayment of monthly SNAP food benefits