Special SNAP Services in Idaho

Idaho offers special SNAP services for residents in specific situations. These include expedited benefits for emergencies, disaster relief assistance, and replacement benefits for lost food, among other programs.

Expedited (Emergency) SNAP

This service provides benefits within seven days to very low-income households who cannot wait for the standard processing time. It ensures immediate access to food for those in urgent need, a state requirement.

The Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) screens every application for eligibility. You may qualify if your gross monthly income is under $150 with less than $100 in resources, or if your income and cash are less than your rent and utilities.

Destitute migrant or seasonal farmworkers may also qualify. To apply, submit the standard SNAP form and indicate your urgent need. DHW will schedule an interview and issue an EBT card within seven days if you are approved. You can apply or learn more online.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

Following a federally declared disaster, Idaho can request approval to operate a D-SNAP. This program helps households, including many not normally eligible for SNAP, buy food while they recover from the disaster's impact.

Eligibility is tied to disaster-related expenses. These can include home repairs, temporary shelter costs, lost income, or food loss. The D-SNAP program is temporary and has a short application window.

When activated, applications are taken at designated sites, online, or by phone. You will need to provide identification and proof of your address and expenses. Watch for announcements from DHW, FEMA, or local media for details. More program details are available online.

Replacement SNAP Benefits for Food Destroyed or Lost

If a household misfortune like a power outage, fire, or flood destroys food purchased with SNAP benefits, Idaho can issue replacement funds. This allows families to restock their kitchens without waiting for their next monthly benefit allotment.

Current SNAP recipients must report the loss to DHW within 10 days of the incident. You will need to sign an affidavit confirming the loss. The replacement amount is limited to the value of the food that was actually destroyed, as per official guidance.

To request these benefits, contact your local Self-Reliance office or call 877-456-1233 for a Replacement Benefit form. You can find your local office through the DHW website.

ABAWD Time-Limit Exemptions

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) are typically limited to three months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period unless they meet work requirements. Exemptions exist for those who cannot work or meet other criteria.

These exemptions ensure individuals can maintain food assistance while they stabilize their situation. Adults aged 18-52 may be exempt if they are pregnant, medically unfit for work, or caring for an incapacitated person. Other exemptions apply for those in substance abuse treatment or experiencing homelessness.

To receive an exemption, provide medical records or other proof to your DHW caseworker when you apply or recertify. The exemption is then coded into your case to ensure benefits continue. The full policy and program access memo are available online.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Idaho

After your SNAP application is approved, you will need to know how to use your benefits, what you can buy, and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. The card is loaded with your food assistance funds each month. It works much like a debit or credit card at authorized stores.

To make a purchase, you swipe the card at the checkout counter and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance, making the process of buying groceries simple and discreet.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card is for purchasing staple food items to prepare at home. The program is designed to help you buy nutritious groceries for your household, covering a wide variety of foods. Eligible items include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Non-alcoholic beverages

However, SNAP benefits cannot be used for certain products. These restrictions mean you must use a different payment method for non-food goods, vitamins, or any food that is sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Hot foods

• Vitamins and medicines

• Non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet foods

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and many corner stores. You can also use your benefits at participating farmers’ markets to purchase fresh, local foods. Look for signs that say “EBT Accepted” at store entrances or checkout lanes.

Idaho also allows you to use your SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT for eligible food purchases, offering a convenient way to get your groceries delivered.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

You can make your EBT benefits go further with the Benny app. It gives you cash back on groceries from participating stores, including Walmart, Target, and Dollar Tree. The app also offers rewards for services like Uber and Lyft, putting money back in your pocket for other essentials.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.