Food Support (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP)

There are multiple ways to apply for SNAP:

• Online

  • Complete the Online Application at MNbenefits.

• On paper

  • Complete a paper application called a Combined Application Form (CAF) (PDF) for families and people under age 60. Individuals and couples who are 60 or older should use the one-page Senior SNAP Application (PDF). Mail or fax the completed application to our Washington County office.

• In-person

  • Visit in-person to pick up an application at any of the four Washington County Service Centers (Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Stillwater or Woodbury). 

The SNAP does require an interview. The interview can be scheduled to be done over the phone or in person, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

• Completing page one of the CAF and submitting it to one of the offices sets the date of the application. This is important because the SNAP benefits are prorated in the month that you apply. 
• An application is not complete until an interview has been completed by an Eligibility Specialist. 
• If you meet certain criteria you may be eligible for Expedited SNAP (PDF).  In order to receive expedited benefits you still must complete an interview and provide proof of identity. 
• You may be required to provide other proofs such as income and residency.
• Your Eligibility Specialist will provide you a list of things you need to verify at your interview.

Once your benefits have been approved, you will be issued an electronic benefit card (EBT). The card will be mailed to you. You can access your benefits at any store that accepts EBT cards. The benefits can only be used for food purchases. It is good practice to call and check the balance of your benefits before going to the store. 

Questions or Problems with accessing your benefits?

• Read about How to Use Your Minnesota EBT Card (PDF).
• Call the customer service at 1-888-997-2227.

If you were denied SNAP benefits or if your benefits closed, you have the Right to Appeal (PDF).

Filing a program discrimination complaint as a USDA customer

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

Complete a USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)

You may also call 1-833-620-1071, or write a letter addressed to the USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation.

The completed USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form or letter can be submitted through postal mail, fax, or email.

Mailing address

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Director, Center for Civil Rights Enforcement
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410

Fax

202-690-7442

Email address

program.intake@usda.gov