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 Minnesota SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Learn more about SNAP on the Minnesota Department of Human Services 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 qualify for SNAP in Minnesota, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Minnesota’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Minnesota 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 and the information required by viewing a copy of the application here.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Minnesota’s ApplyMN here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Combined Application Form found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local DHS office.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services SNAP Hotline at 1 (800) 657-3698.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application. After you apply for benefits, you must participate in an eligibility interview with a caseworker that will be assigned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail.
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 provide the information or documentation before your application can be processed.
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) 997-2227. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must mail your appeal request to:
Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64941
St. Paul, MN, 55164-0941
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 997-2227. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Minnesota Department of Human Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (888) 997-2227 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Minnesota’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 997-2227.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Human Services office in Minnesota.
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 Minnesota Department of Human Services SNAP Hotline at 1 (800) 657-3698.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 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 Minnesota 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 and the information required by viewing a copy of the application here.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Minnesota’s ApplyMN here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) office location.
To apply for SNAP by mail, fill out the Combined Application Form found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to your local DHS office.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services SNAP Hotline at 1 (800) 657-3698.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
It can take up to 30 days to process your SNAP application. After you apply for benefits, you must participate in an eligibility interview with a caseworker that will be assigned by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Human Services with your determination and benefit amount. If you are approved, you will then receive your EBT card in the mail.
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 provide the information or documentation before your application can be processed.
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) 997-2227. You can also check your balance online here.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, you can appeal your decision by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:
You must mail your appeal request to:
Minnesota Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 64941
St. Paul, MN, 55164-0941
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (888) 997-2227. You can also check your balance online here.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Minnesota Department of Human Services EBT card page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (888) 997-2227 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call Minnesota’s EBT customer service number at 1 (888) 997-2227.
You cannot obtain a replacement EBT card in person at a Department of Human Services office in Minnesota.
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 Minnesota Department of Human Services SNAP Hotline at 1 (800) 657-3698.
You can also visit or call a local Department of Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 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