Welcome to our ultimate guide on applying for and receiving food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Lafayette, Indiana. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about working with the Tippecanoe County food stamp office from eligibility rules to using your benefits.
Overview of the Lafayette, IN Food Stamp Office
The Tippecanoe County SNAP office located in Lafayette administers the food stamp program for local residents of all ages facing food hardship.
The official name for food stamps is SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This federal aid provides monthly financial benefits on an EBT card to help low-income households stretch their food budget at participating grocery stores.
When searching for the Lafayette food stamp office, also check under these names:
- Tippecanoe County SNAP Office
- Indiana SNAP Office
Call them at (765) 423-9321 or visit the office in-person at 629 N. 6th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901.
Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm.
Below we cover everything you need to know about qualifying for and using SNAP food stamps in Lafayette including:
- SNAP eligibility guidelines
- Required documents to apply
- How to submit an application
- After approval – using SNAP benefits
- Additional food resources
Or jump ahead to any section that interests you:
Do I Qualify for Food Stamps in Lafayette, IN?
How to Apply for Tippecanoe County Food Stamps
After Getting Approved for Lafayette Food Stamps
Food Assistance Resources in Lafayette, IN
Eligibility Requirements for SNAP Food Stamps
To receive SNAP food benefits in Tippecanoe County including Lafayette, you must meet certain income limits and work rules. You’ll also need to provide proof of identity, state residency, housing costs, and any applicable income.
Income Limits
Gross monthly income must fall below the SNAP thresholds based on your household size:
INDANA SNAP Gross Monthly Income Limits
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,396 |
| 2 people | $1,888 |
| 3 people | $2,379 |
| 4 people | $2,871 |
| Each additional person | Add $492 |
Gross income includes all taxable income before deductions.
Benefits are calculated based on net income after allowable deductions. The less money coming in means the more SNAP benefits the household receives.
SNAP Work Requirements
- Able-bodied adults aged 18-49 without dependents (ABAWDs) must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in employment training. Not meeting this requirement limits benefits to just 3 months in a 3-year period.
- SNAP has no work requirement for:
- Children
- Seniors aged 50+
- People who are disabled physically or mentally
- Pregnant women
- Adults caring for a young child or disabled family member
Meeting SNAP work rules only involves working or training for 20 hours weekly. You do not have to quit your job or stop enrollment status to qualify for food stamp benefits.
Citizenship Requirements
At least one household member must meet one of the following criteria:
- U.S. citizen
- Legal noncitizen like permanent resident green card holders
- Refugees or people granted asylum
All family members claiming SNAP benefits must provide their Social Security Number (SSN), with few exceptions for religious objectors and domestic violence victims.
How to Apply for Tippecanoe County Food Stamps
If you meet the main SNAP eligibility rules, gather documents and submit an application by:
- In-person at 629 N 6th St, Lafayette, IN
- Online through the Indiana FSSA portal
- Fax to (765) 742-2393
- Mail to 629 N 6th St, Lafayette, IN 47901
The Tippecanoe County food stamp office must process applications within 30 days. You may also request an expedited review if facing extreme hardship like homelessness or urgent medical issues.
Prior to applying, gather the following documents for each household member:
- Identification like a driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of immigration status if applicable
- Social Security cards
- Recent utility bills, rent receipts, mortgage statements
- Child support payment stubs
- Pay stubs covering the last 30 days or tax returns for self-employed
- Medical bills for seniors or people with disabilities
- Education costs like tuition and fees
- Child or adult dependent care expenses
- Bank statements
Applying for SNAP requires reporting all assets (like cash or money in bank accounts) and any applicable income. Be prepared to accurately list all current household income sources which may include:
- Job wages or salaries
- Child support
- Retirement income like Social Security or pensions
- Self-employment, rental property, royalty earnings
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSDI)
- Veterans benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment
- Cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
- Gifts, loans, or contributions from others
What to Expect After Submitting Your Food Stamp Application
- You will need to complete an interview with a caseworker at the Tippecanoe County SNAP office. This is a short phone call to review your application.
- Most applicants receive a decision within 30 days after submitting all required verification documents.
- If approved, SNAP food benefits will be deposited monthly on Indiana’s EBT card – Hoosier Works Mastercard.
Let’s review using SNAP benefits and other helpful resources for food assistance in Lafayette, IN.
Using Your SNAP Food Stamp Benefits
Once approved for the food stamp program, a Hoosier Works EBT card is mailed to your home through the Indiana FSSA. This prepaid debit card is reloaded around the 5th of every month with your SNAP household benefits.
The monthly SNAP benefit depends on family size and income deductions but averages around $250 per household in Indiana.
Your EBT card works just like a debit card at checkout. Enter your unique PIN to authorize SNAP or cash transactions.
Hoosier Works can be used at any grocery stores displaying a Quest logo. This includes major retailers like:
- Kroger
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Save-a-Lot
- Dollar General
- gas stations
- local farmers markets
Indiana SNAP recipients can also order free groceries online for delivery through Walmart or Amazon using their Hoosier Works food stamp card.
As your financial situation changes, you must recertify eligibility every 6-12 months and report income or household changes to the Tippecanoe County SNAP office.
Let’s look at other helpful resources improving access to fresh, healthy food if needing additional support beyond SNAP…
Lafayette Food Pantries and Meal Programs
Beyond SNAP benefits administered by the Lafayette food stamp office, check local food pantries and meal programs offering free groceries and meals to the community.
Top food pantries in Lafayette, IN:
- St. John’s/Lafayette Urban Ministry Food Pantry
- Address: 420 N 4th St, Lafayette, IN 47901
- Phone: (765) 742-9770
- Food Finders Food Bank Mobile Pantry
- Check FoodFinder.org for upcoming pantry dates and locations
- Salvation Army Food Pantry
- Address: 1003 N. St, Lafayette, IN 47904
- Phone: (765) 742-4135
Free meal programs include:
- St. John’s/LUM weekday community lunches at noon
- Lafayette Transitional Housing Center (LTHC) free hot meals
- St. Boniface Church Saturday morning breakfast
Low-income Indiana residents may also qualify for:
- WIC nutrition aid for pregnant and breastfeeding women with children under age 5
- TANF monthly cash assistance for families with children, although benefits are time-limited
- Other social services like emergency utility bill assistance, Medicaid insurance, child care vouchers, job placement programs and more
Check if you qualify for a Lifeline phone or internet discount through local Lafayette providers like AT&T or Comcast Xfinity.
This about covers everything you need to know about the Tippecanoe County SNAP office overseeing the food stamp program in Lafayette, Indiana. We hope this guide gave you a full overview of how to apply or recertify for benefits through their location at 629 N 6th St plus connect to additional food resources if needed. Check their site for any updates or changes to operational policies impacting applicants.
