How to Report Changes to SNAP Benefits in Alabama

If you get SNAP benefits in Alabama (sometimes called food stamps), you are required to report certain changes to the state. Reporting changes on time helps keep your benefits accurate and can prevent overpayments or interruptions.

This guide explains how to report changes to SNAP in Alabama, what changes usually need to be reported, when to report them, and what to expect after you do. This information is general guidance only. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, not an application site, and not an office that can process your case. To update your case, you must use official Alabama SNAP channels.

SNAP in Alabama: The Basics

In Alabama, SNAP is managed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). The program provides monthly food benefits on an EBT card to help eligible low‑income individuals and families buy groceries.

When you are approved, you agree to follow program rules, including:

• Reporting certain changes in your situation
• Completing renewals/recertifications on time
• Giving truthful and complete information

If your situation changes, your benefit amount may go up, down, or stay the same, depending on the type of change.

Why Reporting Changes Matters

Failing to report changes can cause problems such as:

• Overpayments (you receive more than you should and may have to pay it back)
• Underpayments (you get less help than you are eligible for)
• Case closure or penalties (for intentionally not reporting or giving false information)

Reporting changes helps:

• Keep your benefits accurate
• Protect you from owing money later
• Show that you are following SNAP rules

Which Changes You Usually Must Report in Alabama

The exact rules can depend on your household type (for example, whether you are “simplified reporting” or have special reporting rules). The safest approach is to ask your local DHR office or read your approval notice, which usually lists your reporting responsibilities.

However, many Alabama SNAP households are asked to report changes like:

1. Changes in Income

Often must be reported when:

• Someone starts or stops a job
• Work hours change substantially (for example, going from part-time to full-time)
• Income increases or decreases enough that it crosses a threshold listed in your approval letter or change reporting notice
• Self-employment income changes significantly

Typical income types to review:

• Wages from a job
• Self-employment income
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security or disability income
• Child support you receive
• Pensions or retirement income

2. Household Composition Changes

You normally must report when:

• Someone moves into your home
• Someone moves out of your home
• A new baby is born
• A child leaves for college, the military, or another home
• A roommate or family member stops buying and preparing food with you, even if they still live in the home

3. Address or Contact Information Changes

These changes do not usually raise or lower your SNAP amount by themselves, but they are important for keeping your case active:

• New mailing or physical address
• New phone number
• Change in your email address (if used for contact)

4. Changes in Expenses (When Counted by SNAP)

Snap rules can vary, but in many cases it is helpful (and sometimes required) to report changes in:

• Rent or mortgage
• Property taxes or homeowner’s insurance (if you pay them separately)
• Utility costs (especially if you start or stop paying heating or cooling)
• Childcare or dependent care costs related to work or training
• Court-ordered child support you pay

Reductions in these expenses can sometimes reduce your SNAP amount, while increases may help you qualify for more benefits.

5. Changes in Disability or Work Status

You may need to report if:

• Someone becomes unable to work due to a verified disability
• Someone returns to work after a period of disability
• A person’s work hours change in a way that affects work requirements (for example, going below the minimum hours expected under SNAP rules)

6. Other Major Changes

You may also need to report:

• Changes in immigration status for any household member
• Someone being admitted to or released from a nursing home, jail, or other institution
• The death of a household member

When in doubt, you can call your local DHR office and ask if a specific change should be reported.

When You Must Report Changes in Alabama

Your notice of approval typically explains whether your household is:

• Change-reporting, or
• Simplified-reporting (sometimes called periodic reporting)

The deadline for reporting changes can vary by household type, but commonly:

• Certain changes must be reported within 10 days of when they happen or when you learn about them.
• Some households only have to report if their income goes over a specific limit noted in their approval packet.

Because rules and timelines may change, the most reliable steps are:

1. Check your most recent SNAP notice from Alabama DHR (approval, recertification, or change notice).
2. If you’re unsure, call your local county DHR office and ask what your reporting deadlines are.

Missing a deadline can affect your benefits, so it’s usually wise to report changes as soon as possible.

How to Report Changes to SNAP in Alabama

You cannot report changes through HowToGetAssistance.org. Changes must be reported through official Alabama SNAP channels. Methods can include:

1. Report Changes by Phone

Most people can report changes by:

• Calling their local county DHR office, or
• Calling the statewide SNAP or DHR customer service line listed on:
  • Your SNAP approval notice
  • Your EBT information materials
  • The Alabama DHR’s official website

When you call:

• Have your case number or Social Security number ready.
• Be prepared to give:
  • Your full name
  • Your current address and phone number
  • Details of the change (dates, new income amounts, etc.)

Ask if you will need to submit proof after the call and how to send it (fax, mail, upload, or in person).

2. Report Changes Online (If Available)

Depending on the current system in Alabama, there may be an online portal where you can:

• Log in with your account
• View your SNAP case
• Report a change and upload documents

The availability and features of an online portal can change over time. To find the correct site:

• Look at the address or website printed on your SNAP approval notice.
• Visit the official Alabama DHR website and look for SNAP, public assistance, or benefits portal links.

Avoid entering personal information on websites that:

• Do not clearly show they are run by Alabama DHR or a recognized government agency
• Ask for unusual fees to “process” simple changes

3. Report Changes In Person

You can typically report changes at your local county DHR office by:

• Visiting during office hours
• Asking for a change report form (if available), or
• Speaking directly with a caseworker or receptionist who can direct you

Bring any supporting documents with you if you already have them, such as:

• Pay stubs
• A new lease
• A letter about your benefits, income, or rent changes

4. Report Changes by Mail or Fax

Some households choose to report changes by mail or fax, especially if they are sending documents. You may:

• Complete a change report form (if Alabama uses one for your case type), or
• Write a signed letter that includes:
  • Your name and case number
  • Your current contact information
  • A clear description of the change
  • The date the change took effect

Mail or fax it to the address or fax number for your:

• County DHR office, or
• Central processing unit, if listed in your paperwork

If you mail documents, consider keeping copies and noting the date you mailed them.

Common Ways to Report Changes in Alabama – Quick Comparison

Documents You May Need to Provide

Alabama DHR often requires proof of reported changes. What you need will depend on the type of change.

Here are common examples:

For Income Changes

• Pay stubs (usually the most recent 4 weeks if available)
• Employer letter stating:
  • Start or end date
  • Rate of pay
  • Expected hours per week
• Termination letter or proof of layoff
• Unemployment benefit letter
• Documents showing Social Security, pension, or disability amount changes

For Household Composition Changes

• Birth certificate or hospital record for a new baby (if available)
• Lease or other documentation showing who lives in the home
• School records or other documentation, if requested
• A signed statement explaining who moved in or out, and when

For Address Changes

• New lease agreement
• Utility bill with your name and new address
• Official mail such as a benefit notice or bank statement with your new address

For Expense Changes

• Updated lease showing new rent amount
• Utility bills if your household situation changed (for example, you now pay the heating bill)
• Childcare invoices or receipts showing what you pay and how often
• Court order for child support and proof of payment (if allowed as a deduction)

If you do not have a requested document, ask your caseworker what other forms of proof Alabama DHR will accept.

What Happens After You Report a Change

Once Alabama DHR receives your change report:

1. They review your information.
   • They may contact you for additional details or documents.
2. They recalculate your SNAP benefits, if the change affects your eligibility or benefit amount.
3. You should receive a notice by mail (or electronically, if your case is set up that way) explaining:
   • Whether your benefits will go up, down, or stay the same
   • The effective date of the change to your benefits
   • Your appeal or fair hearing rights if you disagree

If your benefits go down or your case closes, the notice typically explains:

• Why the action was taken
• When it will take effect
• How to appeal or request a fair hearing

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Here are some issues people in Alabama may run into when reporting changes, and ways to prevent them:

1. Delayed Processing

Cause: High case volumes, missing documents, or incomplete details.
Tips:

• Report changes as early as possible
• Provide complete and clear information
• Send supporting documents promptly
• Keep copies and note the date you submitted them

2. Overpayments and Repayment

Cause: Changes in income or household size not reported on time.
Tips:

• If income increases significantly, call your local DHR office quickly.
• Ask your caseworker to confirm whether the change affects your reporting rules.
• Review your SNAP letters carefully so you understand your responsibilities.

3. Confusion About What to Report

Cause: Different rules for simplified vs. change-reporting households.
Tips:

• Check your approval notice – it often describes whether you are a simplified or change-reporting household.
• If wording is unclear, call your county DHR office and ask someone to explain what you must report and by when.

If You Disagree with a Change to Your Benefits

If Alabama DHR changes your SNAP amount or closes your case after you report a change, and you think it’s wrong, you can usually:

• Request an explanation from your caseworker or local office
• Ask for a fair hearing (also called an appeal) by following the instructions in your notice

Fair hearing rules and deadlines are typically listed on the back of your decision notice. Common steps include:

1. Submitting a written request for a hearing (sometimes phone requests are also accepted)
2. Attending a hearing, often by phone, where you can:
   • Explain your side
   • Present documents
   • Bring someone to represent or assist you, if you choose

If you want your current benefits to continue during the appeal, you may need to file your appeal within a specific timeframe. Check your notice or ask the DHR office directly, because continuing benefits during appeal can sometimes lead to overpayments if the decision is not reversed.

What If You No Longer Qualify for SNAP?

If, after reporting changes, you no longer qualify for SNAP in Alabama, you might still have other options for food help:

• Local food banks or pantries – can often be found by calling 211 or asking community organizations.
• Community meal programs – offered by churches, nonprofits, and community centers in many areas.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – for pregnant/postpartum individuals and young children, if you meet that program’s requirements.
• School meal programs – free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for eligible children enrolled in school.

These programs are separate from SNAP. Each has its own application process and eligibility rules through official agencies or community organizations.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Channel

When reporting changes or managing your SNAP case in Alabama:

• Look for “.gov” in the web address for government sites when possible.
• Verify that phone numbers match those listed on:
  • Your SNAP approval or renewal letters
  • The Alabama DHR official site
• Be cautious if:
  • A website or service asks for upfront fees just to report a change
  • Someone asks for your EBT PIN (this should be kept private)
  • A site does not clearly state what agency it belongs to

If you are unsure whether a website, phone number, or office is official:

• Call your local county DHR office using a number from an official letter or the main state directory.
• You can also dial 211 in many areas to be connected with local resources that may help you locate the correct office.

By understanding which changes to report, when to report them, and how to use Alabama’s official SNAP channels, you can help keep your benefits accurate and avoid future complications. For any case-specific questions, always contact Alabama DHR or your local county office directly, since they are the only ones who can review and update your official SNAP record.