Households must apply for food stamps in the state and county in which they reside. See FSC 1300 for an explanation of the residency requirements.

A household which contacts a county office in the wrong state will be advised to contact the food stamp office in its state of residence. Households which contact the wrong county office to request a food stamp application will be given the address and telephone number of the correct county office and encouraged to file an application in the correct office that same day. If a telephone or written request is received, the county office will mail an application to the household on the day the request is received. The address and telephone number of the correct office will be included with the application.