Special SNAP Services in Kansas

Kansas offers special SNAP services for residents facing specific hardships. These programs provide emergency food aid, disaster relief, replacement benefits for lost food, and summer nutrition for children.

Expedited SNAP (Emergency Food Assistance)

Kansas provides expedited processing to prevent hunger during financial crises, allowing households with almost no money to buy food right away. The first month of benefits is issued within seven days of application.

Households may qualify if they have less than $150 in gross monthly income and under $100 in liquid resources. Eligibility also extends to migrant farm-worker households with under $100 in resources or if shelter costs exceed income.

To apply, submit a regular Food Assistance application online through the DCF Self-Service Portal, by paper, or at a local DCF office. DCF screens every application for expedited criteria. For help, call 1-888-369-4777.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is activated after a federal disaster declaration. It provides short-term food allotments so households can recover from events like storms or floods.

Residents who lived or worked in the designated disaster area and meet specific disaster income guidelines are eligible. This often includes people who were not receiving regular SNAP benefits before the event.

When authorized, Kansas DCF announces application sites through local media and its website. Applicants must prove their identity and residence or work in the area. Benefits are typically issued within three days.

Replacement SNAP for Food Lost in a Disaster

This service lets current SNAP households replace benefits used for food destroyed in a qualifying disaster. This prevents families from going hungry after losing previously purchased food, for example, during an extended power outage.

Any SNAP household in a county covered by a disaster notice is eligible. The food must have been bought with SNAP benefits and lost within 10 days before the incident.

To apply, file Form ES-3113 with the local DCF office by mail or fax. This must be done within the waiver period announced by DCF, which is typically up to 30 days after the disaster.

SUN Bucks (Summer EBT for Children)

SUN Bucks provides a one-time summer food benefit for school-aged children. In 2025, this is $120 per child, helping families buy groceries when school meals are unavailable during the summer break.

Eligible children (ages 7-17) include those in households receiving SNAP or TANF, students approved for free or reduced-price meals, and children in foster care. Low-income students in National School Lunch Program schools also qualify.

Many children are enrolled automatically. Others can apply online through the DCF portal between January 27 and August 29, 2025. More details are available at sunbucks.dcf.ks.gov.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Kansas

After approval, you'll need to know how to use your benefits, covering what you can purchase and where you can shop.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend SNAP benefits. This plastic payment card holds your food assistance funds electronically. Each month, your benefits are automatically loaded onto the card, making them available for use at authorized stores.

Using the card is like using a debit card. At checkout, you swipe or insert it and enter a private Personal Identification Number (PIN) to approve the transaction. The purchase amount is then subtracted from your account's SNAP balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries that you would prepare at home, helping you maintain a healthy diet. Eligible items generally fall into the main food groups.

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants that produce food

However, there are specific restrictions on what cannot be bought with your EBT card. These rules direct benefits toward essential food needs. Items that are not considered basic groceries are typically excluded from purchase with SNAP funds.

• Alcohol, wine, beer, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods ready to eat

• Non-food items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, and household goods

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card works at most grocery stores and supermarkets in Kansas. Look for the Quest® logo or a sign indicating EBT is accepted. This includes large chains, superstores, and many independent food retailers that are authorized to process SNAP payments.

Many smaller locations, like convenience stores and participating farmers’ markets, also accept EBT. This gives you the option to buy fresh, local produce. Always confirm with the vendor or look for a sign at the market stall before making a purchase.

You can also use your benefits to shop for groceries online. In Kansas, major retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT payments for eligible food items. This allows you to arrange for grocery pickup or have them delivered directly to your home.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can stretch your budget further. Earn cash back on your grocery purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. You can also get money back when you use services such as Uber and Lyft, helping you save on everyday expenses.

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