New York Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

As we age, eating well is a big part of staying healthy, active, and independent. The New York Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible older adults, people with disabilities, and families across the state afford nutritious food. If you're eligible for New York SNAP and approved for benefits, you’ll receive an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card works just like a prepaid debit card. It can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in New York to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon. **It’s worth checking New York SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.** ## Frequently asked questions - How does New York SNAP work? - What is the SNAP application process like in New York? - How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP? - How do I apply for SNAP in New York? - What happens after I apply for SNAP in New York? - How can I get help with my application? - Other important tips to know ## How does New York SNAP work? SNAP helps you pay for nutritious groceries each month like fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, and bread. This can free up money in your budget for other basics like utility bills, prescription medicines, and health care. If you’re approved for SNAP, your benefits are added to an EBT card known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC). It looks and works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores and other stores that sell food in New York. SNAP is run by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices across the state help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions. ## What is the SNAP application process like in New York? While the idea of applying for SNAP may feel overwhelming, it’s fairly simple. You don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DSS caseworker can walk you through the process. Generally, here are the steps to apply for New York SNAP: - **Fill out an application**: You can apply for New York SNAP online, in person, or by mail or fax. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: You don’t need paperwork to start. But you must finish and submit your application to get a start date for benefits. - **Have an interview**: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must call to have a phone interview with a DSS caseworker. - **Wait for a decision**: Most New York SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have need food right away, you may be able to have your application processed faster. - **Receive your EBT card**: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it. ## How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP? When you apply for SNAP in New York, you can include everyone in your home who shops for and prepares meals with you. SNAP calls this group your “household.” To get SNAP, your household must meet the following basic rules: - All applicants must be a resident of New York State. - All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen. - Most adults ages 18–64 who can work—and who don’t live with a dependent under 14—have to meet certain work requirements. Some exceptions may apply. - The household must meet certain income limits. - All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one). The amount of money you will get in New York SNAP benefits depends on: - How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security - How many people live with you ## What are income limits? How do they affect my SNAP eligibility? Most SNAP households in New York must have a gross income of less than 130% of the federal poverty level. If someone in your household is age 60 or older or has a disability, the income rules are more flexible. **What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean? ** - Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out. - Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted. The income limits you see below apply from **October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026**. New York encourages most households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to apply. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, your local SNAP office can review your situation and help explain your options. You can also check your eligibility right now—just scroll up and click the black “**See If You May Be Eligible**” button. Family size Maximum gross monthly income (200% FPL) 1 $2,608 2 $3,525 3 $4,442 4 $5,358 5 $6,275 For each additional person, add: +$917 Source: [New York ODTA](https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/) Most New York households applying for SNAP no longer have to pass a savings/resource test. This means your household's assets (like stocks, savings, and retirement accounts) are not counted when deciding if you can get benefits. ## How do I apply for SNAP in New York **1. Get important documents ready** When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier: - Recent pay stubs - List of household resources - Current rent/mortgage statement - Current property tax bill - Current homeowner’s insurance bill - Social Security card To verify (prove) the information above, you will need the following for everyone in your household applying for SNAP: - A valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID) - Proof of where you live (e.g., lease, rental agreement, utility bill), unless you are unhoused - Proof of earned income (e.g., paystubs, employer letter, recent tax records) - Proof of unearned income (benefits award letter) - Proof of resources (e.g., bank statements) - Proof of immigration status (for non-citizens) - Proof of student status (for college students) If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application. **2. Complete an application** **APPLY ONLINE** The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online at [My.NY.gov](https://my.ny.gov/). You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology. [Apply at My.NY.gov](https://my.ny.gov/LoginV4/login.xhtml) **To apply online:** - Go to the [My.NY.gov](https://my.ny.gov/) website. - If you already have an account, enter your username and password and click ‘Sign In.’ - If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an account.’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password. - Once you've created an account, log in and click on 'Start New Benefits Application.' - Enter your ZIP code in the box and click ‘Next.’ - On the next screen, check the box beside ‘SNAP Benefits’ and click ‘Next.’ - Review the information on the next screen carefully. Then, check the second box at the bottom to show you understand what you’ve read. You can also check the first box if you wish to appoint an Authorized Representative. Then, click ‘Next.’ - On the next screen, follow the prompts to complete your SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier). **Tips for success:** - Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary. - For additional assistance, click on ‘Help’ at the top of your screen. You can also call Customer Service at [1-800-342-3009](tel:1-800-342-3009). **APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX** If you live in New York City, you can apply for SNAP in person. To do this, visit a designated SNAP Center to apply for benefits. [Find one near you](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/snap-locations.page). To apply by mail or fax, you must first download and print a [paper SNAP application](https://otda.ny.gov/programs/applications/4826.pdf). Once you have completed the application, you may mail or fax it to your local Department of Social Services. [Find a location near you](https://ocfs.ny.gov/directories/localdss.php). **Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)** New York households where all adults are age 60+, or have a disability, may be eligible to use a simplified application to qualify for SNAP (as long as no household member is receiving earned income). The benefits of ESAP include: - A shorter, streamlined SNAP application - Recertification required only every 3 years - Fewer change reporting requirements Check with your local DSS office to see if you are eligible for ESAP and to get an application. ## What if I need food assistance right away? You may be able to get New York SNAP benefits faster—within 7 days—if you need food right away. This is called expedited SNAP. You can qualify if your household meets at least one of the conditions below: - Your household has $100 or less in "liquid resources" and less than $150 in gross monthly income. Liquid resources refers to money that is readily available to you, such as cash on hand, bank accounts, and lump-sum payments (e.g., lump-sum Social Security). - You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker without money or resources. - Your combined monthly income and liquid resources are less than the total of your monthly rent or mortgage and heating costs and utilities (electricity, telephone, and water). Need food today? Locate and contact your [regional food bank](https://health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/hpnap/regional_foodbank_map.htm) to find local resources while you wait for your New York SNAP application to be processed. ## How can I get help with my application? There are several ways to get help filling out your New York SNAP application. You can: - Contact a [SNAP Outreach provider](https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/providers/) in your area. - Contact [your local DSS office](https://ocfs.ny.gov/directories/localdss.php). - Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live.[ See if there’s one in your area](https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-you). - Call our HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support. ** ** ## ** What happens after I apply for SNAP in New York? ** Most New York SNAP applications are processed within 30 days, or within 7 days if you qualify for expedited benefits. If approved, benefits can start from the day you applied. Check your mail and answer your phone regularly so you don’t miss messages from DSS. You will also need to complete an interview with a DSS caseworker after applying. **What can I expect during my SNAP interview?** Don’t worry—the SNAP interview is just a check-in. It’s not meant to trip you up. The worker simply reviews the information you already shared, answers your questions, and can help if you’re missing any documents or need assistance. During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as: - What is your full name and birthday? - What is your Social Security number? - Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.) - Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.) - What is your monthly income? - Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill? - What other regular bills do you have? Try practicing your answers ahead of time, either by yourself or with someone you trust. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence. If DSS needs more information, they will contact you. You should get a letter within 30 days telling you if you qualify for SNAP benefits. If you applied online, you can check your New York SNAP application status by visiting the [My.NY.gov](https://my.ny.gov/) website and logging in to your account. **What happens after I am approved for SNAP?** If you are approved for New York SNAP, you’ll get a letter that tells you how much you’ll get each month and how long your benefits will last. Most households get SNAP for 6-12 months. If you’re in the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), benefits usually last 36 months. Once you qualify for SNAP benefits in New York, you'll receive an EBT card in the mail, also known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC). Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. ## ** Other important tips to know ** - **What if my New York SNAP application is denied? **Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for requesting a Fair Hearing if you do not agree with the decision about your benefits. - **How can I view my SNAP benefits information? ** You can log in to your [My.NY.gov](https://my.ny.gov/) account to check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits. - **How do I manage my New York EBT card?** You can check your EBT balance, change your EBT card PIN number, or report a lost or stolen card by visiting [www.ebtEDGE.com](http://www.ebtedge.com) or by downloading the ebtEDGE app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (you must create an ebtEDGE account first). You can also call the Customer Service Helpline at [1-888-328-6399](tel:1-888-328-6399). - **Do I need to report changes to my household situation?** You may be required to report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount within 10 days of the change. Your DSS office will let you know what you need to report and when. - **When should you renew your SNAP benefits in New York?** If you already get SNAP benefits in New York, you can recertify (renew your benefits) without visiting a DSS office. Two months before the end of your recertification period, you will receive a recertification packet in the mail that includes a SNAP application and a scheduled interview appointment on page 1.