Compacts of Free Association citizens now eligible for SNAP benefits

The Department of Public Health & Social Services is accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applications from citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia (Chuuk, Yap, Pohnpei, and Kosrae), the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau who legally live in the United States and meet all eligibility requirements.
This change follows the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2024 into law, which grants the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens access to SNAP, TANF, and SSI benefits among other federal programs.
New SNAP applications and Change Reports can be submitted:
In person at:
- RAN-Care Commercial Building, 2nd Floor, Tamuning
- Northern Public Health Center, Dededo, Castle Mall, 130 University Drive, Unit 15, Mangilao
- Southern Public Health, Inalahan
Via Email:
- centralbes@dphss.guam.gov
- northbes@dphss.guam.gov
- southbes@dphss.guam.gov
If a COFA citizen is already in a SNAP household but was previously ineligible due to COFA status, the head of household can submit a Change Report to add that member, if all other requirements are met.
The Bureau of Economic Security will verify immigration status using the Systematic Alien Verification Entitlements (SAVE) program.
To speed up processing times, all applicants will need to bring ALL the documents listed below:
- Valid passport
- I-94 form (Must not be expired if it has an expiration date.)
- Social Security card