The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) administers several public assistance programs that help eligible low-income individuals and families meet their basic needs. These programs provide temporary financial assistance, food benefits, employment support, and other essential services to promote self-sufficiency.
What Is Alabama DHR?
The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) is the state’s primary agency responsible for administering public assistance and human services programs. Its mission is to support the protection, well-being, and self-sufficiency of children, families, and vulnerable adults throughout Alabama.
Public Assistance Programs Offered by Alabama DHR
1. Family Assistance (Temporary Cash Assistance)
The Family Assistance Program, funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, provides temporary cash benefits to eligible low-income families with children.
Benefits are issued through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and are intended to help pay for basic living expenses while families work toward financial independence.
Eligibility Highlights
Applicants generally must:
- Be an Alabama resident.
- Have a dependent child under age 18 (or age 19 if attending secondary school full-time).
- Meet income and resource limits established by the program.
- Meet citizenship or eligible immigration requirements.
- Cooperate with program requirements, including employment-related activities if applicable.
2. JOBS Program
The JOBS (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills) Program helps parents receiving Family Assistance prepare for employment.
Services may include:
- Job readiness training
- Employment counseling
- Career planning
- Job search assistance
- Work support services
- Referrals to education or training opportunities
The goal is to help participants obtain and maintain long-term employment.
3. SNAP (Food Assistance)
Alabama DHR administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps eligible households purchase nutritious food.
Monthly benefits are provided on an EBT card that can be used at authorized grocery stores and participating online retailers.
SNAP Eligibility
Eligibility is based on several factors, including:
- Household income
- Household size
- Citizenship or qualified immigration status
- Certain resource and work requirements
Each application is reviewed individually to determine eligibility.
4. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)
Eligible recipients receive benefits through Alabama’s EBT system.
The EBT card can be used for:
- SNAP food purchases
- Family Assistance cash benefits (where applicable)
Alabama has also introduced chip-enabled EBT cards to improve security and reduce benefit theft.
5. Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)
Eligible school-aged children may qualify for Summer EBT (SUN Bucks), which provides additional food benefits during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
Eligibility is determined under federal and state program rules.
How to Apply
Alabama DHR offers several ways to apply for benefits:
- Apply online through the official OneAlabama or MyDHR portals.
- Submit an application at your local County DHR office.
- Mail or fax a completed application to your county office.
Documents You May Need
Applicants may be asked to provide:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of Alabama residency
- Proof of income
- Employment information
- Housing and utility expense information
- Bank account information (if requested)
- Birth certificates or other identity documents for household members
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the program.
Application Process
- Complete an application online or through your local DHR office.
- Submit all required documents.
- Participate in an interview if required.
- DHR reviews your eligibility.
- If approved, benefits are issued through an EBT card or other approved payment method, depending on the program.
Reporting Changes
Recipients are responsible for reporting changes that may affect eligibility, including:
- Income changes
- Employment status
- Household size
- Address changes
- Other circumstances required by program rules
Changes can be reported through the OneAlabama portal or your county DHR office.
Contact Information
Alabama Department of Human Resources
50 North Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
General Information: (334) 242-1310
Family Assistance Division: (334) 242-1950
Food Assistance Information Line:
- Montgomery Area: (334) 242-0143
- Outside Montgomery Area: (800) 382-0499
- Food Assistance Program: (833) 822-2202
Official Online Resources
For official applications, eligibility requirements, county office locations, and benefit management, use the Alabama Department of Human Resources resources:
- Alabama Department of Human Resources
- Family Assistance Program
- Food Assistance (SNAP)
- OneAlabama Benefits Portal
- MyDHR Online Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alabama DHR provide cash assistance?
Yes. Through the Family Assistance (TANF) Program, eligible low-income families with dependent children may receive temporary cash assistance.
Can I apply online?
Yes. Eligible residents can apply online using the official OneAlabama or MyDHR portals.
Who administers SNAP in Alabama?
The Alabama Department of Human Resources administers SNAP (Food Assistance) throughout the state.
How long does approval take?
Processing times vary depending on the program and whether all required documentation has been submitted. DHR will notify applicants of its eligibility decision after reviewing the application.
