Food Stamps (EBT)
When you first arrive in America as a refugee, you are eligible for food stamps. This is a program that will provide you with a card to purchase food for up to 6 months after your arrival. Your sponsoring agency will do the necessary paperwork to get your food stamps started. You will automatically receive additional funds on the card every month.
If for some reason your card does not have the appropriate funds, call the Food Stamp office with DSS and ask for an interpreter if you do not speak English yet. If you are unable to resolve the problem on your own, you must let your case worker and your American friend know so they can assist you.
If you don't let us know, we can't help!
After 5 months, you will receive a letter in the mail asking you to update your information. If you do not complete the survey, you will lose your funding and have to re-apply. It is important to follow all directions given to you when you receive mail from DSS Food and Nutrition Services.
If you can not read the mail and need help with translation, you will need to find someone who can help you. If there is an American family with whom you have been working, call them. Otherwise, ask someone in your community to help or call ( ) XXX-XXXX.
If for some reason your card does not have the appropriate funds, call the Food Stamp office with DSS and ask for an interpreter if you do not speak English yet. If you are unable to resolve the problem on your own, you must let your case worker and your American friend know so they can assist you.
If you don't let us know, we can't help!
After 5 months, you will receive a letter in the mail asking you to update your information. If you do not complete the survey, you will lose your funding and have to re-apply. It is important to follow all directions given to you when you receive mail from DSS Food and Nutrition Services.
If you can not read the mail and need help with translation, you will need to find someone who can help you. If there is an American family with whom you have been working, call them. Otherwise, ask someone in your community to help or call ( ) XXX-XXXX.