Why Is My Food Stamp Case Closed? Understanding The Reasons And What To Do Next

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which many people still call food stamps, is the most important program in the United States for fighting hunger. It is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides monthly funds to low-income individuals and families.

These funds are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores, farmers markets, and other food retailers, helping people afford the food they need for a healthy life. The program is managed at the local level by state agencies, which handle applications, determine who is eligible, and issue the benefits.

Receiving a notice that a SNAP case has been closed can be a frightening and confusing experience, especially for households that rely on these benefits to put food on the table.

This guide is designed to help people understand why a case might have been closed and, more importantly, what can be done about it. It will explain the common reasons for case closure, show how to find specific answers, and detail the rights and options available to every SNAP recipient.

The SNAP program is designed to be a responsive safety net. Its enrollment is meant to expand when the economy is weak and more people need help, and to contract when the economy improves and poverty declines. This flexibility is one of the program’s greatest strengths on a national level.

However, for an individual family, this responsiveness can feel like a source of constant uncertainty. The very rules that allow the program to adapt to broad economic changes are the same ones that can cause a case to close suddenly because of a small change in a household’s circumstances. A slight increase in pay or a change in work hours can trigger these rules, leading to a loss of benefits that feels disproportionate and jarring. This guide aims to bridge that gap, explaining the logic of the system while validating the real-world stress that these rules can cause.

Why Is My Food Stamp Case Closed?

A SNAP case closure is not a random event; it is always triggered by a specific reason based on program rules. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward fixing the problem. The reasons generally fall into a few key categories, from changes in a household’s finances to simple paperwork issues.

A. Changes in Your Household’s Financial Situation

The most common reasons for a case to be closed are related to changes in a household’s income or financial resources. The SNAP program has strict limits to ensure that benefits go to those most in need.

Your Income Went Up (The “Cliff Effect”): This is the most frequent reason a case is closed. To be eligible for SNAP, a household’s gross monthly income (income before any taxes or deductions are taken out) must generally be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line for its size. For example, in fiscal year 2024, the gross monthly income limit for an individual was $1,580, and for a household of four, it was $3,250. If a household’s income rises above this limit, the case will be closed. Sometimes, even a small pay raise or a slight increase in work hours can push a family over this threshold. This can create what is known as the “cliff effect,” where the value of the lost SNAP benefits is far greater than the small increase in pay, leaving the family with fewer overall resources to meet their basic needs. This can also happen if a household starts receiving new or increased income from other sources, such as child support, unemployment benefits, or Social Security disability payments.
Your Countable Resources Increased: In addition to income limits, most states also have a limit on “countable resources,” which are assets like cash or money in a bank account. For most households, the limit is $2,250. However, if a household includes at least one person who is age 60 or older or has a disability, the limit is higher, typically $3,500. If a household’s savings or other countable assets go above this limit, their case may be closed. It is important to know that not all assets are counted. The home a family lives in, most retirement or pension plans, and the value of at least one vehicle are typically not included in this calculation.

B. Procedural and Paperwork Reasons (The Most Common and Fixable Issues)

Many case closures are not because a household is no longer eligible, but because of a missed deadline or incomplete paperwork. These are often the easiest issues to fix if addressed quickly.

You Missed Your Recertification Deadline: SNAP benefits are approved for a specific “certification period,” which is usually three, six, or twelve months. This period is not permanent. Before it ends, the household must go through a process called “recertification” to prove that they are still eligible for benefits. The state agency is required to mail a recertification packet before the deadline. If this form is not completed, signed, and returned by the due date, the system will automatically close the case at the end of the certification period.
You Didn’t Provide Requested Documents: During an application or recertification, the SNAP agency often needs to verify the information a household provides. They will send a notice, sometimes called a “request for verification,” asking for copies of documents like pay stubs, a lease or rent receipt, or utility bills. If these documents, or “verifications,” are not submitted to the agency by the deadline listed on the notice, the case will be denied or closed. This is one of the most common and preventable reasons for a case to close.
You Missed a Required Interview: Both new applications and some recertifications require an eligibility interview with a caseworker. In most states, these interviews are now conducted over the phone. The agency will typically send a notice with a scheduled time for the interview. If a person misses this interview and does not call to reschedule, the agency cannot complete the eligibility determination and will deny the application or close the case.
You Failed to Report a Required Change: Depending on the state’s rules and the type of reporting system a household is on, they may be required to report certain changes in their circumstances within 10 days of the change. These changes can include getting a new job, a significant increase in income, or a change in who lives in the household. Failing to report a change that the agency requires to be reported can lead to a case closure.

C. Issues with Work Requirements

SNAP has work requirements for most able-bodied adults to ensure the program supports employment. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to disqualification.

General Work Requirements: Most people between the ages of 16 and 59 are required to register for work, not voluntarily quit a job or reduce their hours without a good reason, accept a suitable job if one is offered, and participate in employment and training programs if assigned by the state. If a person violates these rules, they can be disqualified from receiving SNAP for a period of time, which would cause their benefits to stop.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Time Limits: The rules are much stricter for a group known as “able-bodied adults without dependents,” or ABAWDs. These are individuals between the ages of 18 and 54 (this age limit is gradually increasing) who are not pregnant, do not have a disability preventing them from working, and do not have a child under 18 in their household. Under federal law, ABAWDs can only receive SNAP benefits for three months within a three-year period unless they are meeting a work requirement. To meet the requirement, they must work, volunteer, or participate in a work-training program for at least 80 hours per month. Once an ABAWD has used their three months, their case is closed, and they cannot receive benefits again until the three-year period is over or they begin meeting the work requirement.

D. Other Reasons

Some other, less common circumstances can also lead to a case being closed.

You Moved Out of State: Because SNAP is administered by each state, benefits are not portable across state lines. If a person moves from one state to another, their case in the old state will be closed. They must then file a new application in the state where they now live.
Disqualification for an Intentional Program Violation (IPV): If the agency determines that a person intentionally broke a program rule to receive benefits—for example, by knowingly providing false information—this is considered an “Intentional Program Violation,” or IPV. A finding of an IPV can lead to disqualification from the program for a minimum of one year for a first offense, and the case will be closed.
Agency or System Error: Sometimes, the mistake is not the recipient’s fault. With massive caseloads and complex computer systems, errors can happen. A caseworker might not process paperwork on time, a document might be lost, or a computer system glitch could close a case by mistake. These errors are incredibly frustrating for families but can often be corrected once they are identified.
You Asked for Your Case to Be Closed: A household can choose to stop receiving benefits at any time. This is called a voluntary withdrawal. To do this, a person must contact their local SNAP agency, often in writing, to request that their case be closed.

The complexity of these rules, combined with the severe consequence of losing food assistance, can create a difficult situation for many families. The system’s intricate requirements for reporting, verification, and meeting work hours can feel like a minefield. Many people who rely on SNAP benefits work in low-wage jobs with unstable or unpredictable hours, making it hard to consistently document the required number of work hours or to manage sudden income fluctuations.

This can lead to a “chilling effect,” where individuals may become afraid to report a small pay increase or accept a temporary job for fear of triggering the “cliff effect” and losing their benefits entirely. This fear of making a mistake and being accused of fraud can discourage people from engaging with the agency, which can undermine the program’s goal of helping families become more self-sufficient.

First Steps: How to Find Out the Exact Reason for Your Case Closure

It is not necessary to guess why a case was closed. The state agency is legally required to provide a reason for its decision. Acting as a detective for one’s own case is the most important first step to getting benefits restored. The system is largely designed to be reactive; it sends out notices and expects the recipient to take the next step. This means being proactive and acting quickly is essential, as delay can be the difference between a simple fix and having to start the entire application process over from the beginning.

A. Read Your Mail: The “Notice of Adverse Action”

Before an agency can legally reduce or terminate a household’s SNAP benefits, it must send a written notice. This document is often called a “Notice of Adverse Action” or a “Notice of Case Action,” and it is the single most important clue in understanding what happened.

What It Is: This notice is the official communication from the state agency informing a household of a change in their benefits. Federal law requires this notice to be “timely,” meaning it must be sent at least 10 days before the action (like the case closure) takes place, giving the household time to respond or appeal.
What It Must Contain: By law, the notice must be “adequate,” which means it has to explain the situation in easily understandable language. It must clearly state: 1) the action the agency plans to take (e.g., “terminate your SNAP benefits”); 2) the reason for that action (e.g., “your household’s gross income exceeds the program limit”); 3) the specific regulation or rule the agency is using to justify its decision; and 4) an explanation of the household’s right to appeal the decision by requesting a fair hearing. It should also provide a phone number for the local SNAP office and information about free legal services if they are available.
Why It Can Be Confusing: While the goal of these notices is clarity, they are often generated by complex computer systems and can be filled with confusing codes, abbreviations, and legal jargon. Research has shown that the most important information—the “why”—can be buried in dense paragraphs or tables, making it difficult for a person under stress to understand. The key is to carefully scan the document for the section that explains the “reason” for the action.

B. Check Online: Your State’s Web Portal

Most states now offer online portals or mobile apps that allow SNAP recipients to manage their cases. Examples include DTA Connect in Massachusetts, myBenefits in New York, and the FSD Benefit Portal in Missouri. These online tools are often the fastest way to get information.

By logging into a personal account, a user can typically check their case status, see their benefit issuance history, and, most importantly, view and download copies of any notices the agency has sent. This is particularly helpful if the original notice sent in the mail was lost or never received.

C. Make the Call: Contacting Your Local SNAP Agency

If the notice is unclear, was never received, or if there are still questions, the next step is to contact the local SNAP office or the state’s public assistance hotline by phone.

Be Prepared: Before calling, it is helpful to have key information ready, such as the case number (found on any previous notice or EBT card) and the Social Security Number of the head of household.
What to Ask: When speaking with a caseworker, it is important to be direct and clear. The goal is to get specific, actionable information. Key questions to ask include:
- “My SNAP case was closed effective on [date]. Can you please tell me the exact reason why my case was closed?”
- If the reason was income: “The notice says my income is too high. Can you tell me what income information you used and for what period to make that decision?”
- If the reason was missing paperwork: “The notice says I failed to provide verification. Can you tell me exactly what document was missing and what the deadline was to submit it?”
- “Is my case in the 30-day window where it can be reopened if I provide the missing information?”
If You Don’t Get Help: If the caseworker on the phone is unable to provide a clear answer or is unhelpful, it is perfectly acceptable to politely ask to speak with a supervisor or manager. Supervisors often have more authority and experience to resolve complex issues.

Fixing the Problem: Reopening Your Case vs. Starting a New Application

Once the reason for the case closure is known, there are generally two paths forward. Choosing the right one can save a significant amount of time and help get benefits restored more quickly.

A. The Faster Path: “Reopening” Your Case

For many common procedural closures, there is a simplified process available that avoids the need for a full new application. This is often referred to as “reopening” or “reinstating” a case.

The 30-Day Window: Federal regulations and state policies often provide a 30-day grace period after a case is closed for a procedural reason, such as failing to submit a recertification form or provide requested verification documents. If the household provides the missing information or completes the required action within this 30-day window, the agency can often just reopen the case.
How It Works: This process is much simpler than a new application. The household submits only the specific document that was missing or the recertification form that was late. In most situations, a new interview is not required because the agency is continuing eligibility from the previous certification, not starting a new one.
Benefits for Agency Error: This reopening process is especially important if the case was closed because of an “administrative error,” meaning the agency made a mistake. Examples of administrative error include the agency losing submitted documents, not sending a required notice, failing to give the household at least 10 days to provide proofs, or being unavailable for a scheduled interview. If the closure was due to agency error, the case should be reopened, and benefits can be issued retroactively back to the date they were improperly closed.

B. The Longer Path: Filing a New Application

In some situations, reopening a case is not an option, and the household must start over by filing a brand-new application.

When It’s Necessary: A new application is generally required if:
- The case was closed because the household’s income or resources went over the program limits.
- More than 30 days have passed since the case was closed for a procedural reason like missing documents.
- The household failed to complete the recertification process on time, and the 30-day reopening window has already passed.
What It Involves: Filing a new application means starting the entire process from the beginning. The household will need to fill out their state’s complete application form, provide all required documents to verify their current situation (identity, residency, income, expenses, etc.), and complete a new eligibility interview with a caseworker. If the household is found eligible, benefits will be calculated from the date the new application was filed, not from when the old case was closed.

Table: Reopening vs. Reapplying – A Quick Comparison

The choice between reopening a case and filing a new application can be confusing. This table breaks down the key differences to help households understand their options. This visual comparison can provide clarity during a stressful time, helping people identify the correct path and manage their expectations about the process and timeline.

Feature	Reopening a Closed Case (The Faster Path)	Filing a New Application (The Longer Path)
When is it possible?	Usually within 30 days of closure for procedural reasons (e.g., missing documents, missed recertification deadline).	Anytime. Required if the 30-day window was missed, the case was closed for being over the income limit, or the certification period ended.
Is a new application form needed?	No. The household just needs to provide the specific missing information or form.	Yes. The household must complete the full application form and start the process from the beginning.
Is a new interview required?	Usually not, as it is a continuation of a previous eligibility period.	Yes, a new eligibility interview is required.
Benefit Start Date	Benefits can be prorated from the date the missing information is provided. If the closure was due to agency error, benefits can be paid back to the original date of closure.	Benefits start based on the new application file date. There are no back benefits from the old case.

Your Right to Appeal: How to Request a Fair Hearing

If a household believes their SNAP case was reduced or closed unfairly, they have a legal right to challenge that decision. This formal process is called an appeal, and it leads to a “fair hearing.” This process is more than just a way to settle a dispute; it is a fundamental tool for accountability. It provides a formal pathway to correct the inevitable errors that occur in a massive, complex government program. The fair hearing forces the agency to justify its actions based on its own rules and gives recipients a powerful way to get mistakes fixed when informal methods, like calling a caseworker, have failed.

A. What is a Fair Hearing?

A fair hearing is a simple, formal proceeding where a household can explain their side of the story to an impartial hearing officer or an Administrative Law Judge. The household can present evidence, such as documents or witness testimony, to support their case. The state agency must also attend and present its evidence to explain why it took the action it did. The hearing officer will then review all the facts and the relevant SNAP regulations and issue a formal decision on whether the agency’s action was correct.

B. Critical Deadlines: Act Fast!

The most important part of the appeal process is acting quickly, because there are strict deadlines.

Deadline to Request a Hearing: In most states, a household has 90 days from the date printed on the official closure notice to request a fair hearing. If this deadline is missed, the right to appeal is lost.
Deadline to Keep Your Benefits: There is an even more urgent deadline for households that want to keep receiving their SNAP benefits while they wait for their hearing decision. This is often called “aid pending appeal” or “continued benefits.” To receive continued benefits, the household must request the appeal within 10 days of the date on the notice of adverse action. If the appeal is filed within this 10-day period, the agency is generally not allowed to stop the benefits until the hearing officer makes a decision. If the household wins the appeal, they get to keep the benefits. However, if they lose the appeal, they may be required to pay back the benefits they received during the appeal period.

C. How to File an Appeal

The exact process for filing an appeal varies by state, but there are usually several ways to do it. The closure notice itself should provide instructions.

In Writing: The most common method is to file a written appeal. Often, the back of the Notice of Adverse Action will have a section that can be filled out and mailed or faxed to the agency’s hearings division. A person can also write their own letter requesting a hearing.
By Phone: Many states allow a person to request an appeal over the phone by calling the SNAP agency or a dedicated state hearings office. Even when filing by phone, it is a good practice to follow up with a short, written request to have a record of the appeal.
Online: A growing number of states have online portals where a household can fill out and submit an appeal request form electronically.

D. The Hearing Process

After an appeal is filed, the hearings division will schedule the hearing and send a notice with the date and time. Most hearings are now held by telephone for convenience. Before the hearing, the household has the right to review the agency’s entire file on their case to see what evidence the agency will use. A person can represent themselves at the hearing, or they can bring a friend, relative, advocate, or a lawyer to help them. For low-income households, free legal assistance is often available from local legal aid organizations. The hearing officer will listen to both sides and then issue a written decision, usually within 60 to 90 days.

A Look Ahead: How Changes in Law Can Affect Your Benefits

The rules for SNAP are not permanent; they can be changed by new laws passed by the U.S. Congress or by state legislatures. Understanding this broader context can help explain why benefits might change or why rules that applied one year might not apply the next. A person’s individual case closure can sometimes be a direct ripple effect of a distant political decision. A change in federal law regarding work requirements, for example, is not an abstract policy debate; it translates directly into a termination notice arriving in a family’s mailbox.

Federal and State Roles

SNAP is a federal program with national rules, but it is administered by the states, which have a significant number of policy options that allow them to adapt the program. This federal-state partnership means that the experience of a SNAP recipient can vary widely depending on where they live. For example, some states have chosen to expand eligibility to more low-income working families, while others have not. Some states have more robust employment and training programs, while others have fewer resources. This variation is a key feature of the program’s design.

The Impact of New Laws

When Congress passes new laws, such as the federal Farm Bill (which authorizes SNAP) or other budget legislation, it can have a direct and significant impact on millions of recipients. In recent years, legislation has been passed or proposed that would:

Change Work Requirements: Congress has the authority to change the rules for both general and ABAWD work requirements. For instance, legislation has expanded the age of adults subject to the strict ABAWD time limits, meaning people in their early 50s who were previously exempt now have to meet the 80-hour-per-month work rule to keep their benefits. Such a change can cause hundreds of thousands of older adults to lose their food assistance.
Shift Costs to States: Historically, the federal government pays for 100% of SNAP food benefits, while sharing the administrative costs with states. Some legislative proposals have sought to change this by requiring states to pay for a portion of the food benefits themselves. Because nearly every state is required by its own constitution to balance its budget, this shift in cost could force states to make difficult choices, such as cutting other vital services like education or restricting SNAP eligibility to save money.
Change Eligibility for Certain Groups: Laws can also alter eligibility for specific populations. For example, legislative changes have been proposed that would restrict SNAP eligibility for certain categories of lawfully present immigrants who were previously eligible, such as survivors of human trafficking or individuals seeking asylum.

These high-level policy decisions are important for recipients to be aware of, as they can directly lead to case closures that have nothing to do with an individual’s actions but are instead the result of a change in the law itself.

Conclusion: You Have Rights and Options

Discovering that a food stamp case has been closed is an undeniably stressful and difficult experience. However, it is crucial to remember that a case closure is not necessarily the end of the road. The system has rules and procedures, but it also has built-in protections and pathways for recipients to correct errors and re-establish their eligibility. The most important thing to remember is that every recipient has rights and options.

Key Takeaways

Act Quickly: Time is the most critical factor. The deadlines for reopening a case without a new application (usually 30 days) or for appealing a decision while keeping benefits (usually 10 days) are very strict. Taking immediate action is the best way to protect one’s benefits.
Read Your Notices: The official notice of closure is the first and best clue for understanding what happened. It is essential to read it carefully to find the specific reason the agency closed the case.
Communicate: It is important not to be afraid to contact the caseworker or the state’s help line. Ask direct questions to get clear answers. If the first person is not helpful, it is within a recipient’s rights to ask to speak with a supervisor.
Know Your Path: Understanding the difference between reopening a case for a simple procedural error and filing a completely new application can save weeks of time and effort. Choosing the correct path is key to getting benefits restored as quickly as possible.
Use Your Right to Appeal: If there is reason to believe the agency made a mistake, filing for a fair hearing is a powerful legal right. The appeal process is the ultimate tool for holding the agency accountable and correcting errors.

Each SNAP recipient is their own best advocate. By understanding the rules, acting quickly, and persistently following up, it is possible to navigate the system, resolve problems, and work to get the essential food assistance that every family needs and deserves.