Nevada Food Assistance
Food Stamps * Food Banks * Food Pantries * Soup Kitchens * WIC
School Meals * Special Milk * Summer Food * Senior Nutrition
In the State of Nevada, there are many sources for help with food. The Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens are all helping residents in need to cope with hunger and food insecurity.
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Learn more about
SNAP benefits a.k.a. Food Stamps.
Who is eligible for SNAP benefits (Food Stamps) in Nevada?
How to apply for Nevada Food Assistance?
How does Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) determine eligibility?
Approved! When and how do I get the Food Stamps benefits?
How much Food Stamps benefits do participants receive per month?
How and where to use Food Stamps benefits?
Food Stamp (SNAP benefits) in Nevada
Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or the Food Stamps Program as it is known by the public, is a federal program that provides grants to the States for purpose of reducing hunger and malnutrition in all eligible households across the nation. SNAP helps provide healthy food to qualifying low-income families with children, elderly or disabled in each State of the USA, including Nevada. Learn more about SNAP.
It is important to know that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal entitlement program funded by U.S. Government grants. Any U.S. Citizen, even some legal alien residents will get free food assistance as long as they meet the SNAP eligibility guidelines. In other words, there is enough Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for every American that qualifies.
In Nevada, the SNAP is known as Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and is administered by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) under the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The Federal Government pays 100% of Nevada SNAP Benefits with federal grants appropriated for SNAP. The SNAP federal grants also pay a share of the Nevada SNAP administrative cost.
According to Nevada Human and Community Services Division, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health.”
%
Approx. of the total Nevada population received Food Stamp Benefits in 2018
Recipients in June, 2018 of Food Stamps (SNAP) Benefits in Nevada
Recipients in June, 2017 of Food Stamp (SNAP) Benefits in Nevada
Who is Eligible for SNAP (Food Stamps) in Nevada?
The eligibility rules and benefit amounts in Nevada, like in other States, are based on a limited income, limited liquid resources, household size, and other requirements, some of them specific to each State. Most eligibility rules are determined by regulations issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service.
The federal law allows States some flexibility when implementing SNAP on a State level. State agencies can adapt some of the food assistance program rules in order to meet the needs of the eligible, low‐income local population.
Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed for individuals and families with limited income resources, who compose a household, and purchase and prepare their meals together for home consumption. People living with roommates, people who are temporarily unemployed, or people who are homeless can also get food stamps if they meet specific eligibility guidelines.
For the purpose of the Nevada SNAP, certain people must be included in on household account even if they purchase and prepare meals separately. Husbands and wives of any household member, their children under age 22 when living together, plus children younger than 18 who are dependents of an adult household member are all considered as a part of one household formation.
In Nevada anyone with limited income and resources may apply for food stamps but, in general, to qualify for Nevada SNAP (Food Stamp) Benefits you must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
- Nevada Resident – must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident with SNAP eligible non-citizen status;
- Work Requirement – unless exempted, each able-bodied household member who is 16 to 60 year old must be registered to work, and accept a suitable employment offer;
- Resource Limits – no asset limits if you meet SNAP categorical eligibility, all others must have countable household assets limited to $2,250 or less ($3,250 or less for households containing a member who is disabled or 60 years of age or older);
- Income Limits – Income limits eligibility depends on household size and composition. Households with no elderly or disabled individuals must meet both standard gross (130% of FPL) and net income limits. Households with elderly or disabled individuals must meet only the net income limits (100% of FPL). Gross income includes wages, salaries, commissions, dividends, child support, self-employment income, unemployment compensation, social security benefits, and others.
Some Nevada residents may be automatically or so-called categorically eligible for Food Stamps if they already participate in other means-tested assistance programs. Getting any benefits funded by federal grants from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance, tribal TANF cash assistance, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can make the applicant for SNAP benefits categorically eligible, thus bypassing the standard income eligibility and asset eligibility rules.
Under the federal SNAP regulations, States do have to assign a gross income limit of 200% of the federal poverty line (FPL) or less in order to use any federal grant-funded benefit that can make Food Assistance applicants eligible. Please, contact your local DWSS for more details on SNAP categorical eligibility.
See the table for Maximum Monthly Income (measured as a percentage of the federal poverty level – FPL) allowable for SNAP Benefits Eligibility in the State of Nevada, as per household size:
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this Pre-Screening Tool to find out if you may be eligible to get Nevada SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps).
The screening allows interested in getting Nevada food stamps to provide some basic information and find out if they are potentially eligible for benefits.
If you use this Pre-Screening Tool you will be notified immediately on the screen if you qualify after completing the questionnaire. This is pre-screening information, and you still have to make an application at your local Nevada DWSS office.
Even if you are unsure whether you would qualify you still may be eligible for SNAP Benefits and you should still apply. Division of Welfare and Supportive Services is the agency in Nevada that can make the final determination regarding your SNAP application in this State and grant you benefits.
To figure out, before applying, if you'd qualify for food stamps benefits in your state you have to consider the following:
- Your Household size: How many people you live and buy food with? Count:
- anyone you live with and buy and make food with
- children under 22 years old and,
- elderly 60+ and disabled that you make food for.
- Your Income: How much money does your household make? This includes both:
- earned income - the money you make from jobs and
- unearned income - cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, child support, etc.
Who counts as a member of the household for SNAP eligibility?
In general, anyone who lives with you and you buy food with counts a member of your household.
Your children under 22 of age count as household members, even if they buy and make their own food.
But your tenant, for example, or your adult children that are over 22 of age do not count. They are not counted in the household number for the purpose of food stamp benefits qualification.
The elderly age of 60+ and disabled people count as household members if you buy and make food for them, or you buy and make food together. If they live with you, but they buy and make food separately, they do not count as household members.
See the updated table below for this fiscal year's income limits and monthly benefits (allotments).
What is the gross and net income limit that qualifies you for food stamps?
SNAP Max Income for Food Stamps
Oct. 1, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2020
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limits (130% of poverty) | Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of poverty) | Max Food Assistance Benefit Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 | $291 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 | $535 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 | $766 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 | $973 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $3,357 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $3,785 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $4,214 | $1,751 |
| Each additional member | +$557 | +$429 | +$219 |
Source: USDA, SNAP Income Eligibility Standards
What are Maximum Nevada SNAP (Food Stamps) Benefits?
If approved, the Nevada SNAP benefit amounts depend on the household size and the amount of their net income. USDA has maximum SNAP benefit limits per month per household size. Check the table column about Max Food Assistance Benefit per month in dollars for each size of the household.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps) in Nevada?
To apply for SNAP benefits in Nevada download and print the Application for Assistance form offered by the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.
The same application form can be used to apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program which offers cash benefits to qualifying families.
More than one assistance program in an application is a common practice by a lot of the States since most of the people in need of food stamps are likely to be in need of cash.
Applicants for SNAP in the State of Nevada have the right to file an application in person, through an authorized representative, by fax, by mail or online. The SNAP application may be submitted to any local DWSS office.
If you are to file a paper Application for Assistance – just fill out all required information on the application and mail or turn it in any DWSS office.
If you do not have all the information that is needed to complete the SNAP application, provide as much as you can – but you must include your name, social security number, and your signature for the DWSS office to accept it. All required information and its verification can be provided later at the interview or upon request.
The application process includes a SNAP eligibility interview and information verification. After you have submitted your application, the DWSS office will contact you to set up an interview and verify the information on your application. If you are an elderly or disabled individual, call the DWSS office to request your SNAP eligibility interview conducted over the phone.
If appearing for an interview, you will meet with a caseworker who will determine if you qualify for benefits, and if you do, determine the dollar amount of benefits. You will also receive information from the caseworker or other staff about job requirements/opportunities and your responsibilities.
Before a decision is made a DWSS caseworker has to verify all the paperwork and interview you. During the interview, you will receive information about SNAP work requirements and your responsibilities if participating in the program.
Within 30 days of the interview, if eligible, you will receive a notice stating how much food assistance benefit and for how long your household is eligible for before a review of the case is due, along with reporting requirements.
The SNAP benefit amount depends on the household size and its net income – that is all countable income minus all allowable deductions.
If Nevada DWSS finds you eligible for SNAP benefits, you will be entitled to receive food stamps from the date your signed application was received.
Nevada SNAP applicants also have the option to apply for benefits online using Access Nevada – the Nevada State Online Application System that enables users to apply for Food Assistance, Medical Assistance and Cash Assistance Benefits.
Nevada SNAP Benefits Approval, Rules, Proofs Required
In addition to filing an application in State of Nevada, the process to determine your SNAP eligibility includes an interview and information verification.
The Nevada DWSS has a list of examples of documents and information that may be needed at the interview:
- Proof of Identity / Citizenship:
- Government Issued Driver’s License
- Government Issued Identification Card
- Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
- School Identification
- U.S. Military Card or Draft Record
- U.S. Military Dependent ID Card
- U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Card
- United States Passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of United States Citizenship (INS Form N-560 or N-561)
- Certified Original United States Birth Certificate
- Proof of Nevada Residency:
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Rent Receipt
- Current Mortgage Statement
- Nevada Driver’s License
- Nevada Voter Registration
- Statement regarding Homeless situation
- Income – Earned / Unearned:
- Pay stubs, earnings statements from employers, if employment ended in the last 90 days, verification of the job ending
- Social Security Benefits (RSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Worker’s Compensation
- Unemployment Benefits
- Veteran’s Benefits
- Retirement Pensions/Benefits
- Child Support Payments including copy of Support Order
- Alimony
- TANF or other Government Payments
- General Assistance
- Educational Income
- Any other money received by any person in your household
- Proof of any benefits received from another state other than Nevada
- Resources:
- Bank or Credit Union Statement
- Vehicle Registration
- Savings Bonds
- Life Insurance Policies
- Retirement Account Statements
- Educational Account Statements
- Trust Documents
- Expenses:
- Shelter Expenses – rent or mortgage receipt, current utility bill, landlord statement, home taxes and insurance
- Dependent Care – receipt or statement from sitter or daycare center
- Education Expenses – receipts, statement for school
- Child Support Payments – copy of Court Order, verification of payment
Additional information and proof may be required by your caseworker depending on your application and household situation. In case you are not able to provide all the information during the SNAP application interview, you may be given time to provide the required proof.
Applicants for SNAP benefits in Nevada should get a response within 30 days from the date they submitted their application to the DWSS. When start getting food stamps benefits, households must report any changes of their situation in a set by the agency period of time in order to assure their participation in the Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Under the simplified reporting option, households are required to report changes in income between certification and scheduled reporting periods when total countable income rises above 130% of the poverty level or when work hours change for able‐bodied adults without dependents.
SNAP regulations require all non‐exempt household members to comply with work requirements. Work requirements include registering for work, not voluntarily quitting a job, and accepting a suitable employment offer for all SNAP benefit recipients age 16 through 59 if they are not exempt. As per federal SNAP guidelines, individuals who fail to comply with SNAP work requirements without good cause are ineligible for program benefits and disqualified from SNAP for certain periods of time, depending on how many prior instances of non‐compliance there have been.
The law limits the SNAP benefits to 3 months in a 3-year period for all able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 through 49 without dependents, who are not working or participating in a work program for at least 20 hours each week.
As part of the SNAP federal grant assistance requirements, each State has to offer employment and training (E&T) program to its SNAP benefits recipients. Participants in such programs, where available, can get adult education, vocational training, job skills training for specific jobs, and work experience via short-term unpaid work assignments. The main goal of the work requirement is to help the SNAP benefits recipients get jobs, reduce or eliminate their dependency on the government benefits.
Call 1-775-684-0615 if you want to find more about Nevada Employment and Training Program offered to SNAP recipients.
Approved! When and How Do I Get the SNAP Benefits?
Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides the benefits via the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. The monetary benefits of the Nevada SNAP benefits are transferred to the accounts of qualified beneficiaries and are accessible through a Nevada EBT card. The Nevada SNAP Benefits are deposited into the recipients’ accounts each month following the Benefit Issuance Schedule.
Benefits are made available on the first day of every month.
If you have any question regarding your EBT Account or EBT Card call Nevada EBT Customer Service: 800-992-0900
How and Where to Use the SNAP Benefits?
Nevada SNAP benefits are provided via the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. The monetary benefits of the Nevada SNAP are transferred into the accounts of qualified beneficiaries and are accessible through Nevada EBT Cards. Households and individuals can use their EBT cards and spend the benefits like cash at any Nevada grocery stores and farmers’ markets that are authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accept SNAP (food stamp) benefits.
Check this list of Nevada Food Stamps Stores Near You that are authorized to take EBT cards for purchasing of SNAP-eligible food items. Eligible food items are any food to be eaten at home by people, including baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, and seasonings. Seeds and plants to grow food for your own family’s consumption are also allowed to be purchased with food stamp benefits. You cannot buy non-grocery items with food stamp benefits, such as cleaning products, pet food, paper products, alcohol, or tobacco.
I Need Food Assistance Now. It is an Emergency!
Some households may get Expedited Services – that is getting Food Stamp Benefits within 7 calendar days if your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and liquid resources (cash, checking or savings accounts) of $100 or less; or your rent/mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s combined monthly income and liquid resources, or a member of your household is a migrant or seasonal farmworker. In order to get expedite assistance, if you qualify for it, provide all the required information and proof as soon as possible. Call 1-800-992-0900 for more information on Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Nevada Food Assistance Program
Find more about Nevada Food Assistance Program
Search for Food Assistance by County and Town
Food Banks in Nevada
Nevada food banks play an important role in the overall Nevada food assistance effort to end hunger and food insecurity throughout the State of Nevada.
Their main objective is to collect food from various sources like wholesale organizations, grocery stores, and farms who have food in excess and are willing to donate.
Food banks then, sort, store, and distribute donated food to local soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries.
The Food Bank Association of Nevada is such a non-profit organization that works to alleviate hunger in Nevada.
Nevada Food Banks
Food Pantries in Nevada
Food pantries offer food directly to people that need it and who have the means to cook it. They usually receive food from local food banks and in turn distribute it to low-income individuals and households at no cost.
Food pantries are typically located in facilities where received food can be stored and handled in a safe and sanitary manner.
Each food pantry serves a designated local area and most of them require prior registration and approval before food can be distributed to a particular individual or a family.
Soup Kitchens in Nevada
Soup kitchens serve cooked meals on-site to needy people at no cost. Like food pantries, they normally receive their food from local food banks.
Soup kitchens take care mostly of homeless people and people who do not have the means to cook for themselves.
They require storage, cleaning, and cooking equipment as they have to do food preparation, serving, and cleaning after the meals.
Food pantries are typically located in facilities where received food can be stored and handled in a safe and sanitary manner.
Each food pantry serves a designated local area and most of them require prior registration and approval before food can be served to a particular individual or a family.
WIC Program in Nevada
Nevada Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, health care referrals to Nevada pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children during times of important growth.
Nevada Women, Infants, and Children Program
School Meals in Nevada
School meals in Nevada are offered mainly through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
The Nevada school meals programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each school day in the year.
School meals nutritional standards are based on the recommendation from the Institute of Medicine and the U.S. Government and teachers have reported that students perform better in class if they get regular meals.
Children getting school breakfast also had significantly reduced absence and tardiness rates, according to a Tufts University study.
Nevada School Lunch Program | Nevada School Breakfast Program
Special Milk Program in Nevada
Nevada Special Milk Program offers milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps. Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk.
Schools may elect to offer free milk to low-income children. In order to qualify for Nevada Special Milk, the child must be a resident of the State of Nevada.
Summer Food Program in Nevada
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is another Nevada food assistance program that provides free meals and snacks to help low-income Nevada children get nutritious meals in the summertime.
The Summer Food Service Program is a federal program that provides grants to local sponsors who want to combine a food service with a summer activity program.
The funding provided by SFSP ensures that Nevada children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast.
Nevada Summer Food Service Program
Senior Nutrition in Nevada
Nevada Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with special checks to buy fresh, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs from authorized farmers’ markets. To qualify for Nevada senior nutrition special checks, the applicants must be 60 years of age or older and their gross household income must not exceed certain limits.
An application must be completed for each person in the household that wants to apply for the SFMNP benefits. Once approved, each beneficiary must reapply every year to continue participating in the Nevada Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Learn more about how the senior nutrition program works.
Nevada Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Sources: State Agencies, FNS, USDA