SNAP - Your Rights & Responsibilities

You Have the Right to:

  • Have your application accepted on the same day you contact the Welfare Office in person;
  • Have an adult who knows your situation apply for you if you cannot appear at the welfare office;
  • Receive SNAP benefits within 30 days after you apply if qualified;
  • Receive SNAP expedited benefits within 7 days if you are in immediate need and qualify;
  • Not be discriminated against because of age, sex, race, color, disability, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs;

    Non-Discrimination Statement

    • Be informed if the welfare office is going to reduce or terminate your benefits during your certification period due to a change in your situation that you failed to report in writing;
    • Examine your own case file and the SNAP rules, and
    • A fair hearing if you disagree with any action taken on your case.

      Fair Hearing Process:

      You can ask the Welfare Office for a fair hearing in writing, in person, or telephone. The office will provide you information about the hearing rules.

      • You can have a friend, relative or anyone else help you prepare for and attend the hearing with you.
      • In some cases, you can continue to receive SNAP benefits without change while awaiting the hearing decision.
      • If the hearing officer determines the welfare office took the correct action, you will be required to repay the value of any SNAP benefits you were NOT entitled to.
      • If the hearing officer determines the welfare office took incorrect action(s), you will continue to receive or begin to receive the correct amount of SNAP benefits and the amount of any SNAP benefits you had a right to receive will be provided to you.
      		  

        You are Responsible to:

        • Answer all questions on the application completely and honestly. Sign your name to certify, under penalty of perjury, that all your answers are true and correct.
        • Provide proof of all information needed to determine eligibility.
        • Promptly report changes in household circumstances to the Welfare Office.
        • Not put your money or possessions in someone else's name to be able to receive SNAP benefits.
        • Not sell, trade, or give away SNAP benefits.
        • Use SNAP benefits only to buy eligible items. 

          PLEASE NOTE: People who break SNAP rules may be disqualified form the program.