While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy in the form of monthly benefits.
SNAP uses Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to distribute the benefits.
The Alabama SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Learn more about SNAP on the Alabama Department of Human Resources website here.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase approved food items. These include:
See a more comprehensive list of what you can buy with SNAP benefits here and a list of approved snacks and meal supplements here.
There are also food items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, including alcoholic beverages and hot prepared food. See a comprehensive list of what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits here.
SNAP provides monthly benefits, known as an allotment, to eligible households. The allotment amount you can receive is based on 1) the number of people in your household and 2) your household income.
To calculate your allotment amount, multiply your household’s net income by 0.3 and then subtract that number from the federal maximum monthly benefit amount in the table below.
| Household Number | Federal Maximum Allotment Per Month |
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| Each additional household member | +219 |
You have one year (365 days) to use your allotment or the benefits on your EBT card will be canceled.
To learn more about the federal maximum monthly benefit amount, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Alabama, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Alabama’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Alabama Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Alabama Department of Human Resources website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create a MyDHR account on Alabama’s assistance portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Alabama Department of Human Resources office location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (833) 822-2202. This application method is for those who need help filling out an application due to a disability. Those hard of hearing can call 711.
To apply for SNAP by fax or mail, fill out the Food Assistance Application found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the Food Assistance Office in your county. Click here to find the nearest Alabama Department of Human Resources office’s contact information.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance:
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application to your county Food Assistance Office, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be face-to-face or by telephone.
Your application will be delayed if documents are missing from your application, the Department of Human Resources needs more information from you to finish processing your request or you miss your interview or scheduled appointments.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. Click here to learn about Alabama’s monthly benefit issuance schedule.
To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 997-8888. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, you can appeal your decision in person, by phone or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit your county Department of Human Resources office or Food Assistant Office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (334) 242-1700.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail and send it to your county Department of Human Resources office, Food Assistant Office or to:
Department of Human ResourcesFood Assistance DivisionS. Gordon Persons Building50 North Ripley StreetMontgomery, Alabama 36130-4000
For more information on the appeal process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or the EBT Customer Service Helpdesk at 1 (800) 997-8888. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Alabama Department of Human Resources EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 30 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (833) 822-2202 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Alabama’s EBT Customer Service Helpdesk at 1 (800) 997-8888.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Food Assistance Office in Alabama.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Alabama Food Assistance Program by phone at 1 (334) 242-1700. You can also send your inquiries via email to: fs@dhr.alabama.gov.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance:
To send the Alabama Department of Human Resources information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (334) 353-1115 or mail them using the following address:
Department of Human ResourcesFood Assistance DivisionS. Gordon Persons Building50 North Ripley StreetMontgomery, Alabama 36130-4000
You can also visit or call a local Food Assistance Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Alabama Food Stamps program, helps families buy the food they need to stay healthy. If you are in need of food assistance and wish to apply to SNAP, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and personal eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Alabama Department of Human Resources website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create a MyDHR account on Alabama’s assistance portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Alabama Department of Human Resources office location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (833) 822-2202. This application method is for those who need help filling out an application due to a disability. Those hard of hearing can call 711.
To apply for SNAP by fax or mail, fill out the Food Assistance Application found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the Food Assistance Office in your county. Click here to find the nearest Alabama Department of Human Resources office’s contact information.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance:
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you have submitted your application to your county Food Assistance Office, you will need to complete an interview. The interview may be face-to-face or by telephone.
Your application will be delayed if documents are missing from your application, the Department of Human Resources needs more information from you to finish processing your request or you miss your interview or scheduled appointments.
If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 30 days of your determination letter unless you are eligible for expedited services, which give you benefits within only 7 days. You may be eligible for expedited food assistance if:
Once you receive your EBT card, you can use it to purchase items that are approved by SNAP at groceries and retail stores that accept EBT transactions. Learn about what you can purchase with SNAP here.
SNAP benefits are replenished each month that you are a member of the program. Click here to learn about Alabama’s monthly benefit issuance schedule.
To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (800) 997-8888. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, you can appeal your decision in person, by phone or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit your county Department of Human Resources office or Food Assistant Office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (334) 242-1700.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail and send it to your county Department of Human Resources office, Food Assistant Office or to:
Department of Human ResourcesFood Assistance DivisionS. Gordon Persons Building50 North Ripley StreetMontgomery, Alabama 36130-4000
For more information on the appeal process, click here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or the EBT Customer Service Helpdesk at 1 (800) 997-8888. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Alabama Department of Human Resources EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 30 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (833) 822-2202 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Alabama’s EBT Customer Service Helpdesk at 1 (800) 997-8888.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Food Assistance Office in Alabama.
For more answers to common questions related to EBT cards, click here.
For help with obtaining SNAP benefits, or for any further questions about your application, call the Alabama Food Assistance Program by phone at 1 (334) 242-1700. You can also send your inquiries via email to: fs@dhr.alabama.gov.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance:
To send the Alabama Department of Human Resources information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (334) 353-1115 or mail them using the following address:
Department of Human ResourcesFood Assistance DivisionS. Gordon Persons Building50 North Ripley StreetMontgomery, Alabama 36130-4000
You can also visit or call a local Food Assistance Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Food Stamps program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Food Stamps Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, requirements for program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.
Last Updated: February 2, 2024