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How Do I Get Emergency Food Stamps?

Geri Terzo
Geri Terzo

A sudden loss of income can cause extreme financial hardship on the primary breadwinner and his or her family. Thankfully, there are government programs that provide a means for families to sustain themselves physically. Emergency food stamps are one such source of provision, and qualified applicants can begin receiving this support in a matter of days. In order to obtain urgent care, you will probably have to physically visit a health and human services department or another government office to apply. Internet applications may be accepted in some instances.

Upon applying for emergency food stamps, you will need to prove certain financial hardships exist in your circumstances in order to be eligible. These parameters will vary depending on the region in which you live. In the U.S., the Department of Transitional Assistance is the likely office location that will need to be visited. Funds provided through a government program are often designed to supplement monthly food expenses, and applicants should plan on contributing to the grocery bill too. In addition to providing for children and people with dependents, certain emergency food stamp programs are designed for elderly adults.

Those who qualify can get emergency food stamps to buy staples.
Those who qualify can get emergency food stamps to buy staples.

Some of the requirements may include that gross earnings do not surpass the cost for housing, power, and water. Another condition could be that the total monthly income falls below a modest amount. Certain professions that rely on weather conditions for revenue, such as farming, can qualify you for emergency food stamps quickly. Expect that, in all instances, you will have to prove that the amount of cash on hand coupled with any savings is an extremely low amount. In addition to applying for help, you are probably going to have to meet with a professional at the government agency who will assess your situation.

Upon qualifying for emergency food stamps, you can receive help within a week or so. Emergency food stamps do not last forever, however. Once the allotted time period expires, which could be as long as one month, you may need to file for traditional food stamps if you continue to need financial assistance to survive.

In certain regions of the world that are most susceptible to extreme weather, disaster food stamp programs may be available, as well. This kind of help may be reserved for certain types of recipients, such as families with small children. For families earning incomes that are near or below the poverty level, it might be possible to pre-apply for this type of food stamp assistance before extreme weather occurs.

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    • Those who qualify can get emergency food stamps to buy staples.
      By: Julián Rovagnati
      Those who qualify can get emergency food stamps to buy staples.