Healthy Outreach Programs (HOP)
Regis House, Inc. partners with The Department of Children and Families (DCF) to help individuals who want to apply for assistance for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Medicaid Program or the Temporary Cash Assistance Program.
SNAP
What is the SNAP Program?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or EBT, is a federal program that provides monthly funds for people to buy the food they need to thrive. According to the United States Department of Agriculture more than 41 million people purchased food with SNAP benefits in 2022. It is the largest program working to fight hunger in America. SNAP can help stretch your budget to meet additional needs beyond food, like medical and utilities bills, rent, and money for gas or transportation.
Medicaid
What is Medicaid?
According to the Medicaid.gov website Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid is administered by states, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.
Cash Assistance
What Is Cash Assistance?
According to the Benefits.gov website The Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program.
What You Need To Know Before Applying for SNAP, Medicare, or Cash Assistance Programs.
STEP -1-
Call and Make An Appointment
If you need assistiance filling out Goverment Forms for these programs you MUST call first to make an appoinmnet. A Regis House representative can help you fill out government forms and by explaining or answering your questions in reference to these programs. The number to call is 305-642-7600, then ask for our HOP Specialist Iris Montalvo which is the coordinator for the programs. Avaialable times for the appoinment is Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and this is the only time available for these. No walk-ins are accepted due to the high demand of applicatants.
STEP -2-
Bring Identification
Bring a form of identification for all persons applying for benefits. Proof of your identity and age is required. Accepted forms of identification are: a Florida issued Driver's License, a United States Passport, a Florida issued Identification Card, Naturalization Certificate, birth certificate, or a United States Armed Forces Military I.D. Card. NOTE, all forms of I.D. must be current.
STEP -3-
Requirements
To Qualify you need to meet these requirements:
- Must be a resident of Florida for at least five years.
- Must possess and present valid ID for everyone in the case.
- Or Have a child who is a United States Citizen.
- If a child is in the case the applicant MUST be living with the child in the same household.
- Your Regis House Representative will advise if other documents are required depepnding on your case.
- Have your financial information ready as part of the application process which includes your monthly budget on rent, income, transportation cost, child daycare and others. It is reccomended to make a list before your appointment.
STEP -4-
Application Outcome
Regis House, Inc representatives assists with filling out government forms as a FREE SERVICE for the community, there will never be a charge for this service.
Regis House, Inc and its representaives DO NOT DETERMINE the outcome of your application. You are resposible for reading and for following up with letters and correspondence that require action from your part to complete your application.
IMPORTANT LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS
- Apply For Benefits Online on >> DCF Website
- Access the >> Access Florida Home Page
- Access the >> Florida Medicaid Enrollment Portal
- DCF Florida Access Telephone >> (866) 762-2237
Florida SNAP Program - FAQs
-
How does SNAP work?
Individuals using SNAP receive monthly electronic funds through a benefits card which is similar to a debit card. With this card you can buy groceries at local stores, supermarkets, and other businesses where food is sold. Make sure to ask first if they are part of the program before making a trip to a particular store. The amount received each month depends on your income and family size and sometimes it can vary depending on fluctuating goverment regulations.
-
Is SNAP the same as Food Stamps?
SNAP is sometimes called other names. For example because of a former goverment program it used to be called food stamps. Addtionally depending on your state of residence there might be other names for this benefit. All names refer to the same goverment program - SNAP which benefits and helps make food more affordable for those who need it.
-
Who is eligible for SNAP?
SNAP benefits are available to all eligible individuals and households. Basic eligibility is based on monthly household income and expenses. SNAP is here to help you whenever you may need it.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for SNAP. Every state has different requirements for eligibility. These requirements might include the following:
- Household income must be at or below a certain level
- Household resources or assets, such as savings and bank accounts, must be less than a certain amount
- At least one U.S. citizen or person with an eligible immigration status must live in the household
Check with the Regis House Specialist to help you understand if you are eligible. There is no risk or penalties in seeing if you are eligible for SNAP.
-
Where can you shop with SNAP?
You can purchase food at local grocery stores, convenience stores, farmer's markets, supermarkets, and online delivery services like Walmart, Winn-Dixie, Fresco, Publix, Presidente and Amazon.
-
How do you apply for SNAP?
You may be able to apply for SNAP online, by mail, or by phone. However, because each state has a different application form and process, it is highly recommended that you contact the Regis House SNAP application counselor to explain the application process in more detail.
Once you submit your SNAP application, it may take 30 days for your local SNAP office to process it. You may need to complete an interview with your SNAP office during your application review.
-
Is there help to apply for SNAP?
A HOP Representative at Regis House can help with your SNAP application. We can help you through the screening and application process and guide you. We have bilingual representaives on staff.
-
What can you buy with SNAP?
You can use SNAP to buy many things like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and beverages
- Seeds and plants to grow food for your family
You CANNOT use SNAP to buy things like:
- Alcohol or tobacco products
- Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, household supplies like toilet paper, or hygiene items like shampoo, femenine products like kotex or tampons, baby formula, or diapers
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicines
Florida Medicaid - FAQs
-
How do I replace my Medicaid card?
To request a replacement card, call 850-300-4323. Those on Medicaid can print a temporary Medicaid card from their MyACCESS Account. Further information on Medicaid services is available from the Agency for Health Care Administration.
-
When should I complete my renewal application?
You should complete your renewal application on or before the 15th day of the month in which your benefit period ends.
-
No changes have occurred within my household, do I still need to complete a renewal application?
Yes. You are required to renew your benefits at the end of your benefit period, whether or not you have changes in your household.
-
How long will it take to complete an application?
On average, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes for most of our customers to complete the online application. This is the quickest way to apply. Once you finish filling out the application, you may submit it to DCF automatically by using our e-signature option.
-
How long will it take after I submit an application?
It may take up to 30 days to process your application (longer if you need a disability determination). If you sign up for email notifications in your MyACCESS Account, you will receive an email alert when we update your application status. If you are not able to go online, we will send your notices by mail.
-
Is Regis House responsible for the outcome of my application?
No. Regis House, Inc. can only help you fill out the application. The Government agency determines the outcome of your application based on the information you provided.
Florida (TANF) Temporary Cash Assistance - FAQs
-
What makes you eligible for cash assistance in Florida?
Citizenship - Individuals must be US citizens or qualified non-citizens. Residency - Individuals must live in the state of Florida. SSN - Child must have a social security number or prove they have applied for one. Assets - Child's countable assets must be equal to or less than $2000.
-
Can I get Medicaid if I have money in the bank in Florida?
The Medically Needy Asset Limit is $5,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a couple. 2) Qualified Income Trusts (QITs) – Also called Miller Trusts, QITs offer a way for persons over the Medicaid income limit to still qualify for Nursing Home Medicaid or home and community based services.
-
No changes have occurred within my household, do I still need to complete a renewal application?
Yes. You are required to renew your benefits at the end of your benefit period, whether or not you have changes in your household.
-
How long will it take to complete an application?
On average, it takes about 30 to 45 minutes for most of our customers to complete the online application. This is the quickest way to apply. Once you finish filling out the application, you may submit it to DCF automatically by using our e-signature option.
-
How long will it take after I submit an application?
Eligibility is determined through the ACCESS Florida which has automated eligibility processes. Once your application is received, you will be contacted for an eligibility interview, usually within 5 days.
-
Is Regis House responsible for the outcome of my application?
No. Regis House, Inc. can only help you fill out the application. The Government agency determines the outcome of your application based on the information you provided.
-
How much do you get for TANF in Florida?
For a family of three in Florida, the current TCA payment is $303 a month and may vary based upon the household’s countable income. Payment is limited to no more than 48 months. An exception is made in cases of severe hardship, or if a family member has a medically verifiable disability.
-
How do I get a one-time TANF payment in Florida?
If you need short-term help rather than long-term ongoing cash assistance, you may request for assistance through the Up-front Diversion program. Up-front “cash” diversion is a one-time payment of up to $1000 to help families facing an unexpected emergency in lieu of ongoing TCA payments.