Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)


***Important Message about SNAP Interviews***

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP agencies have had an option to request a waiver from the Federal agency that oversees the SNAP program, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), to temporarily eliminate SNAP interviews at initial certification, and recertification.  This waiver has been in place in Nevada since March 26, 2020, and will expire on June 30, 2022.

 

Effective July 1, 2022, SNAP interviews will recommence as outlined below:

  1. Initial Applications
    • All SNAP initial certification applications received on or after July 1, 2022, will require an interview with a DWSS Family Services Specialist, or a DWSS Trusted Partner.
     
  2. Recertification Applications
    • All SNAP recertification applications with a recertification effective date of September 1, 2022, will require an interview with a DWSS Family Services Specialist, or a DWSS Trusted Partner.

    Emergency Food Supplements

     

     

    DWSS implemented supplemental emergency allotments (SEA) for recipients of food assistance due to the impacts of COVID-19. These emergency allotments started April 4, 2020, for March and April benefits and have continued on a month-to-month basis with federal approval. Recipients get the difference between their regular monthly benefit and the maximum amount for their household size or $95, whichever is greater. 

    SEA payments are intended to help eligible SNAP recipients better address the economic crisis resulting from the COVID pandemic.  The recent Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress effectively ends the SEA payments and eligible SNAP participants will receive one last SEA payment on March 14, 2023.  After that final payment, SNAP recipients will only receive the benefit amount for which they are eligible based on their case eligibility determination.

    Households approved for SNAP but receiving a regular benefit amount of $0 are not considered participating SNAP households for emergency allotments.

    Additional information about local food banks can be found by contacting Three Square (702-765-4030, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm) or Food Bank of Northern Nevada

      To Apply for SNAP:

      Before you begin the application process please read Information Needed to Process Your Application, (Spanish version Informacion Necesaria Para Procesar Su Solicitud).  The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through Access Nevada. To get started, click the Access Nevada button below.

      ACCESS NEVADA - Apply for Benefits and Manage Your Account Online!

       

      SNAP Important

      If you reside on a Nevada Indian Reservation or Colony you may also check with the Washoe Tribe Social Services Department for application information.

      If your household has little or no money and needs help right away; inform the Welfare Office and you may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits within 7 business days.

      After you have submitted your application you will be scheduled an interview. At your interview your case worker will explain the program rules and assist you in completing your application if necessary.  During the interview process your case worker will also ask you for proof of certain information. It's important that you understand the rules, so don't hesitate to ask your case worker to explain anything you don't understand.

      After you have completed the interview, the Welfare Office will notify you by mail of your qualification status, and if approved the monthly amount of SNAP benefits you will receive and the how many months of benefits you are qualified for before you need to reapply.

      If you are qualified for SNAP benefits, you will receive your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card with your monthly approved benefit amount no later than 30 business days from the date the office received your application.

      If you and everyone you live with are applying for or getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may apply for SNAP benefits at your Social Security district office, except in California (where people who receive SSI get cash instead of SNAP benefits).

      • Households applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid can apply for SNAP benefits at the same time.
      • Application is made at the local Welfare Office.
      • After you have submitted your application, the Welfare office will contact you to set up an interview to go over your application.

        Application Forms