While it normally takes up to 30 days for the SNAP office to review, process, and provide a determination on benefits; in some cases, you may be eligible for emergency, or expedited, SNAP benefits. In these case, you should hear from the SNAP office within 5 to 7 days of applying. If one or more of these categories applies to you, you may be eligible for expedited benefits:
Your household has $100 or less in "liquid resources" and less than $150 in gross monthly income. Liquid resources are money that is available to you, such as cash on hand, bank accounts, savings certificates, and lump-sum payments.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker without money or resources.
Your combined monthly income and liquid resources are less than the total of your monthly rent or mortgage and heating costs and utilities (electricity, telephone, and water).
When you apply for SNAP, the state will review your application and let you know if you are eligible for emergency benefits. Otherwise, your application will be processed within the usual 30 day range.