How to File for Government Benefits
- 1). Go to your local Department of Jobs and Family Services or Human Services offices and fill out an application for combined assistance programs. If you are only applying for one individual program (Medicaid, TANF or SNAP only), tell the intake representative. There may be different applications if you are applying for only one benefit.
- 2). Turn in your completed application along with birth certificates, pay stubs, bank statements, utility bills, and rent or mortgage receipts or statements. The intake representative will make copies of these items and give the originals back to you. The representative may instruct you to wait and speak to a caseworker regarding your applications or may assign you an appointment for a later date.
- 3). Keep an appointment, if given one. It is wise to be a few minutes early to your human services appointments as sometimes you will have to wait in a long line to check in. Be sure to bring all requested documentation with you to your appointment.
- 4). Wait to receive your approval letter in the mail. This can take several weeks. Once you are approved, you will be given instructions on how to redeem your benefits. In most states, you will be issued a special debit card for SNAP benefits. You will be advised of how much you are approved for before receiving the card. Your Medicaid benefits package will include information on applicable premiums or copays (if any), and a benefits book that outlines your insurance benefits and participating providers.
TANF benefits are usually deposited directly into your bank account or given to you on a debit card that is issued by the human services office. This, along with the amounts in which you were approved, will be outlined in your approval letter. - 5). Keep reapplication appointments. Your benefits will need to be reapplied for every so often. The human services office will notify you in the mail when you have appointments for reverification and tell you what you need to bring with you. Don't miss these appointments or your benefits can be terminated.
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