How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Idaho

You can apply for SNAP benefits in Idaho online, in person, or by mail. Each method requires you to provide specific information for your household.

Apply Online

The fastest way to apply is through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website. You can create an account, complete the application, and upload documents from your computer or mobile device.

You will need to provide information and documents related to your household’s income, resources, and residency. All applicants must also provide Social Security numbers and complete an interview with a caseworker.

Most households must have a gross monthly income below 130% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, this is $1,632. Your countable resources, like bank savings, must be under $5,000.

You can find the application and current income standards on the Idaho SNAP website.

Apply In Person

Visit a local Health and Welfare office to apply with assistance from staff. This is a good option if you need help filling out the form or do not have reliable internet access.

Bring documents with you to verify your eligibility. This includes proof of Idaho residency, citizenship or immigration status, and income for everyone in your household. An interview is also required.

Able-bodied adults without dependents generally must work or participate in training for at least 20 hours per week. Some exemptions apply for veterans, pregnant women, and others.

Apply By Mail

You can download and print an application form to fill out by hand. Once completed, you can mail it to the Department of Health and Welfare for processing.

Be sure to include copies of documents that verify your household's details. This includes information about income, assets, and who lives with you. Providing Social Security numbers is mandatory.

Seniors (60+) and people with disabilities have special conditions. They do not have a gross income test but must meet the net income limit. They may also receive higher deductions.

Once you are approved for benefits, you can check your SNAP and EBT Cash balance in real-time with the Benny app. The app also provides cashback when you buy eligible items at participating stores.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Idaho

• Phone: 1-877-456-1233

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. MT

• Services: Get answers to questions about your SNAP eligibility, case status, and benefits.

See Idaho EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Idaho

Once you receive your benefits, you need to know how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month. Think of it like a debit card, but specifically for your food assistance. You can use it at authorized grocery stores and farmers markets to purchase eligible food items.

Using your EBT card is simple. At checkout, you just swipe your card and enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). The process works just like using a regular debit card for any other purchase.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card lets you buy staple foods to keep your kitchen stocked. You can purchase a wide variety of groceries to prepare at home, including:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products like milk and cheese

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

It's also important to know what you can't buy with SNAP benefits. The program is designed for food items, so certain products are not covered. Ineligible items include:

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot, prepared foods ready for immediate consumption

• Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Staying on top of your SNAP benefits helps you budget effectively. Knowing your balance, deposit dates, and renewal deadlines is part of this.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Idaho

In Idaho, SNAP benefits are deposited during the first ten days of the month. Your specific payment date corresponds to the last digit of your birth year. Knowing this helps you plan your grocery shopping.

You can find your exact payment date in our Idaho deposit schedule.

See Idaho EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You can check your EBT balance in a few ways. Use the official ebtEDGE portal, the Benny app, call the number on your card, or check your last store or ATM receipt.

Our guide covers each method for checking your EBT balance.

Check Your Idaho EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.