General Information

Food Stamps General Information

The Food Stamp Program is a Federal nutrition program that helps eligible low-income people purchase the food they need for good health.  For most households, food stamps are only part of their food budget.  Food Stamp benefits are not cash.  Some households must spend some of their own cash along with their Food Stamp benefits.  Households that are eligible will receive a plastic electronic benefit card that will use at the store when buying food items.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Food Stamps:

• You must be a resident of Orange County
• Everyone who receives Food Stamps must have a Social Security Number (SSN). If someone in your household doesn't have one, you must help them get one.
• There are property and income limits that vary depending on the number of persons in your household and their ages.
• Vehicles are not counted
• In California SSI/SSP recipients are not eligible for food stamps per State law.

Amount of Benefits

Click here for a Pre-Screening Tool that will provide you with an estimate of your eligibility for food stamp benefits. This tool is not an application for Food Stamps. Applications must be made at your local Food Stamp office.  Also, remember, this is only an estimate.  An Eligibility Technician who is an expert in the program will determine if you are eligible for Food Stamps and the actual amount of benefits you are eligible for.r.

Quarterly Reporting

Most households receiving food stamps must:

• Send a quarterly report form telling us about your income, property and any changes to your household. This report must be turned in on time or your food stamps could be lowered or discontinued.
• Households comprised of all elderly and disabled persons are only required to report changes within 10 days but do not have to file quarterly reports.