How do I apply?
Apply Online!
Applicants can apply online for FTEF benefits. By clicking here, you can fill-out your application online. Community agencies, health centers, and other social service agencies can also assist their clients in applying for FTEF food vouchers online. If you would like help applying online, please email help@feedtheelderly.org
You can now apply online from home, a library, school or work, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week whenever it's most convenient for them. Applicants will be directed to complete a simple screening form to estimate eligibility. You can also estimate eligibility on this website by using our simple to use eligibility calculator. The food voucher application can then be completed and sent electronically to the local FTEF office where it is processed. In a few days, an FTEF case worker will contact the applicant to schedule an interview and request certain documents. To find the online application, go to www.feedtheelderly.org/apply and click "Apply Online".
Face to Face Interviews
Face to Face interviews with the assigned case worker is a necessary pre-condition for FTEF to determine applicant eligibility. A case worker is empowered to conduct such interview primarily at the local FTEF Office. Decisions are forwarded to the Branch Manager who in turn forward all received applications alongside interview notes and comments to the Board for final determination.
Applicant can appeal negative determination but such appeal must be done through the same FTEF office and the resident manager will at his discretion determine how and when a new interview will be conducted.
Face-to-Face Interview Waiver
FTEF has a relaxed policy about face-to-face interviews. Caseworkers may after considering many factors waive an in-office, face-to-face interviews whenever possible. If one of the categories below describes you, you may be eligible for a waiver
Situations that create a hardship:
- Very Elderly (75 years old & above)
- Severely Disabled
- Illness
- Transportation difficulties (examples: not enough money for bus fare, no transportation, long distance to FTEF office)
- Care of household member
- Lives in a rural area
- Severe weather that lasts a long time
Caseworkers make the final decision about granting waivers. You must request a waiver each time you are asked to go to your local FTEF office for an interview. Instead of going to the office a caseworker will call you to do the interview over the phone. (The waiver does not mean that you can skip the interview completely.) And you must provide a telephone number where you can be reached during work day. You can also request a waiver by calling your caseworker. There is no official form that you need to use to get a waiver. However, we strongly encourage you to put your request in writing so that you have proof of your request.
To apply for food vouchers, you can also drop off your application in person at your local FTEF office or send it there by mail. To find your local FTEF office, click here. To save time and help your application go faster, it is best to either bring all of the needed verifications the first time you go to FTEF or send copies of them with your application.
You will be assigned a caseworker when your application is received by FTEF. This is the person you will work with until your application is complete. Your caseworker is the person you should call when you have questions about your account. And if you need to provide new documents to FTEF in the future, you should give them to this same caseworker. For example, if your situation changes – positively or otherwise, you will need to send your caseworker copies of your status change evidence
If you are seeking emergency food vouchers, FTEF will give you food vouchers no later than 5 working days after they receive your application and initial investigation confirms your eligibility.
If you are adjudged eligible for Food Assistance, FTEF will give you food vouchers no later than 30 days after they receive your application.
You need food assistant benefit? Download beneficiary form here.
