Welfare, or public assistance, helps needy families get back on their feet. The programs are designed to temporarily assist families with purchasing food and paying monthly expenses, such as child care. The programs are federally funded and available to U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens. The local welfare office is responsible for processing an application and determining whether an applicant qualifies for assistance. Depending on your state, you may begin to receive benefits within 30 days of filing.

Instructions

1. Call your state's SNAP hotline number and ask for the location of the nearest welfare office. You will need to provide the representative with your zip code to determine the closest location.
2. Collect personal documents that can be used to prove your identity. Acceptable documents include photo identification, your birth certificate and your Social Security card. You will also need these documents for each member of your household.
3. Gather documents that can be used to verify your income. Acceptable documents include your last four paycheck stubs, previous year's tax return and W-2 forms. If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits or child support, you need to provide a statement from the issuing agency detailing how much you receive on a monthly basis.
4. Show proof of your resources. Each state is required to consider your resources when determining whether you are eligible to receive welfare. Resources include any possession that represents a source of income. Examples of resources includes checking accounts, bonds and retirement funds.
5. Visit your local welfare office and request an application. Bring the documents you have collected. Complete the application in the office using your collected documents.
6. Review the application for errors. If you need to correct any portion of the application, initial each change you make. Submit the application to the front desk. You may be interviewed by a caseworker at that time to determine whether you are eligible. If not, an appointment letter will be mailed to you.
7. Attend the eligibility interview. If you need to bring any additional documents to the interview, they will be listed in the appointment letter. During the interview, the caseworker will review your application and ask questions to determine your eligibility