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 Idaho SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Learn more about SNAP on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare 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 your benefit amount in Idaho, click here.
To qualify for SNAP in Idaho, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Idaho’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Idaho 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 Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Idaho’s Assistance Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Idaho Division of Welfare office location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (877) 456-1233.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (866) 434-8278.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Self Reliance Programs
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0026
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at 1 (877) 456-1233 or send an email to MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov.
If you need application assistance in Spanish, click here for an overview of the application process.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you applied for SNAP online, by phone, by mail or by fax, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Health and Welfare with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
If you applied in person at a local Division of Welfare office, you will receive your determination and EBT card on the same day so long as you provide all the required information and documentation.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Department of Health and Welfare needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to wait for your determination and EBT card to come in the mail.
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. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 432-4328. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 28 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Health and Welfare 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 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.
For more information on the appeal process, read page 10 of the “Fair Hearing Request” PDF provided by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 432-4328. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (877) 456-1233 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Idaho’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 432-4328.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Division of Welfare office in Idaho.
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 Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at 1 (877) 456-1233. You can also send your inquiries via email to: MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov.
To send the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (866) 434-8278 or mail them using the following address:
Self Reliance Programs
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0026
You can also visit or call a local Division of Welfare Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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 Idaho 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 Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website here. You can also view a copy of the application here to see what information is required.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Idaho’s Assistance Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Idaho Division of Welfare office location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (877) 456-1233.
To apply for SNAP by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (866) 434-8278.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Self Reliance Programs
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0026
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at 1 (877) 456-1233 or send an email to MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov.
If you need application assistance in Spanish, click here for an overview of the application process.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you applied for SNAP online, by phone, by mail or by fax, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Health and Welfare with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail within 14 days of your determination letter.
If you applied in person at a local Division of Welfare office, you will receive your determination and EBT card on the same day so long as you provide all the required information and documentation.
If documents are missing from your application, or the Department of Health and Welfare needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to wait for your determination and EBT card to come in the mail.
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. To check the balance of your EBT card, call the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 432-4328. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 28 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Health and Welfare 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 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.
For more information on the appeal process, read page 10 of the “Fair Hearing Request” PDF provided by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare here.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 432-4328. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (877) 456-1233 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Idaho’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 432-4328.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Division of Welfare office in Idaho.
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 Idaho Department of Health and Welfare at 1 (877) 456-1233. You can also send your inquiries via email to: MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov.
To send the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (866) 434-8278 or mail them using the following address:
Self Reliance Programs
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0026
You can also visit or call a local Division of Welfare Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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