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 Montana SNAP food assistance program is administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Learn more about SNAP on the Montana DPHHS 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 Montana, you must meet the following requirements:
Learn more about Montana’s income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Montana 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 here.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Montana’s ApplyMT Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Montana Office of Public Assistance location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (888) 706-1535.
To apply for SNAP by mail, request an application be mailed to you by phone at 1 (888) 706-1535 or by email at hhssspapplicationcustomersupport@mt.gov.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services at 1 (888) 706-1535.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You must participate in an eligibility interview with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services before your application can be processed.
If you apply for SNAP benefits in person, you may be able to complete your interview during your visit. Your interview will be completed over the phone if you are applying for SNAP by phone.
If you apply for benefits online or by mail, you will be instructed to contact the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1335 to complete an eligibility interview.
After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Montana DPHHS 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to provide that 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 (866) 850-1556.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, 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 a local DPHHS office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1335 or your local DPHHS office.
To file an appeal by mail, follow the appeal instructions on your determination letter and submit it to the address listed on the letter.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (866) 850-1556.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (888) 706-1335 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1335.
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 Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
To send the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (406) 841-3855 or mail them using the following address:
Human and Community Services
P.O. Box 202925
Helena, MT 59620
You can also visit or call a local Office of Public Assistance 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 Montana 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 here.
To apply for SNAP online, create an account on Montana’s ApplyMT Portal here and fill out the SNAP application.
To apply for SNAP in person, click here to find the nearest Montana Office of Public Assistance location.
To apply for SNAP by phone, call 1 (888) 706-1535.
To apply for SNAP by mail, request an application be mailed to you by phone at 1 (888) 706-1535 or by email at hhssspapplicationcustomersupport@mt.gov.
If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services at 1 (888) 706-1535.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
You must participate in an eligibility interview with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services before your application can be processed.
If you apply for SNAP benefits in person, you may be able to complete your interview during your visit. Your interview will be completed over the phone if you are applying for SNAP by phone.
If you apply for benefits online or by mail, you will be instructed to contact the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1335 to complete an eligibility interview.
After your interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Montana DPHHS 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services needs more information from you to finish processing your request, you will need to provide that 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 (866) 850-1556.
If you do not agree with the benefit decision given to you by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, 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 a local DPHHS office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1335 or your local DPHHS office.
To file an appeal by mail, follow the appeal instructions on your determination letter and submit it to the address listed on the letter.
You can check the balance of your EBT card by calling the number on the back of your card or 1 (866) 850-1556.
Learn more information about EBT cards and how to use your benefits on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services page here.
If you have not received your EBT card within 10 days of receiving your approval notice, call 1 (888) 706-1335 for assistance.
If you have lost your EBT card and require a replacement, call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1335.
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 Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
To send the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (406) 841-3855 or mail them using the following address:
Human and Community Services
P.O. Box 202925
Helena, MT 59620
You can also visit or call a local Office of Public Assistance 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