Next Steps

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IDHS) offers:

• General information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Extra help paying for fresh fruits and vegetables with your SNAP benefits through the Double Up Food Bucks Iowa program

• Information about how to file an appeal if you apply for SNAP benefits, are turned down, and you think the decision is wrong

• Details about getting free food and meals through the Emergency Food Assistance Program in Iowa

• A SNAP brochure answering many common questions about SNAP

• Facts about SNAP including income guidelines and maximum benefit amounts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an overview of the federal SNAP program. Note: The SNAP program in Iowa uses options and waivers that make it different in some ways than the federal SNAP rules.

You can apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

You can use your Iowa EBT Card to buy food:

• At grocery stores. Before you start shopping, make sure the store has an Iowa Quest logo on display. If you don't see the Quest logo, ask the Customer Service desk if the store accepts EBT cards.
• At farmers markets and farm stands. Look for signs with "We accept" and a photo of an EBT card, then buy eligible items using your EBT card and PIN the same way you do in local stores.
• Online, from retailers like Aldi, Amazon, and Walmart. Learn which stores in Iowa accept EBT cards online.

Learn more about how to use your SNAP.

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program helps people with disabilities who get Social Security benefits re-enter the workforce and become more independent. The Ticket to Work Program offers free access to employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Learn more on DB101's page about Ticket to Work in Iowa.

A trained Benefits Planner can help you understand your benefits programs. Exactly who you need to contact depends on your situation and the benefits you get.

View DB101's full list of experts who can help you understand different benefits.