What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

Food stamps help you buy food at approved food stores. Food stamps are also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP for short.

To qualify for SNAP, you must:

• Live in New York State
• Meet income limits

You can check income guidelines or answer a few questions to see if you qualify for SNAP, but the only way to know for sure is by applying. You may also already qualify for SNAP if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or are in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

If you are in a really hard situation, you may be able to get emergency benefits in five days. Examples: you are experiencing homelessness or you have less than $100 in your accounts or the total cost of your housing, utilities, and phone is more than your income. Find and contact your local Social Services office for more information.

How do I apply?

You can apply online, or by mail, fax, or in-person. Make a copy of your application for your records.

• For applying online, visit mybenefits.ny.gov. (For NYC residents, visit access.nyc.gov.) Click on “Apply for SNAP” to get started. Once you are approved, you can check your SNAP balance and more at mybenefits.ny.gov.
• To apply by mail or fax, download and fill out an application. You can also request an application be mailed to you. Applications are available in several languages. Mail or fax the filled application to your local Social Services office. Find your local office address online or call toll free 1-800-342-3009.
• To apply in-person, visit your nearest Social Services office.

You may have to prove you qualify.  Examples of documents to prove you qualify: photo ID, social security number, bank statements, utility bills, phone expenses, rent or mortgage receipts, medical bills, childcare expenses. Document all your expenses, so you can get the highest benefits for your situation.

After you apply, the local Social Services office sets up an interview. This is usually at the Social Services office, but sometimes interviews are by phone or a home visit. You might not need an in-person interview if everyone in your household is elderly or disabled. If it's too hard to go to an in-person interview, you can also call the Social Services office and ask for a “waiver due to hardship."

Social Services has 30 days to decide if you qualify for food stamps:

• If you are approved, Social Services has to issue your benefits within 30 days. The benefits are added automatically each month to an Electronic Benefit Card. When you get your card, choose a PIN (personal identification number) to protect your benefits. It is a debit card for approved food stores, including online. You can use SNAP to buy food for the household.
• If you are denied, you have 60 days to ask for a fair hearing. Do not wait until the end. To ask for a fair hearing, call, visit, write, or fax your local Social Services office or online at mybenefits.ny.gov. 

Recertification

If you already receive SNAP benefits in New York State and need to renew them, follow these steps:

• Two months before your recertification period ends, you'll receive a packet by mail with a SNAP application and interview appointment.
• Submit your recertification application, then attend your scheduled interview.
• If you miss the interview, reschedule it before the end of your recertification period.
• Be prepared to provide additional documents related to your income or situation if asked.

Important Things to Remember

• Giving false information on your application, breaking probation or parole rules, or having an active warrant can hurt your chances of getting benefits now and in the future. Be honest and accurate in your application.
• Report any changes in your income, household size, or expenses to the Social Services office right away so that you get the correct amount of benefits.

I am not a U.S. Citizen. Can I still apply?

Immigrants with legal status may qualify for certain benefits. Immigrants who are undocumented can also apply for their children who are citizens or have other legal status. Use this free guide to understand more about immigrants and benefits: keepyourbenefits.org/en/na/use-the-guide. Or call the New York State Immigration Hotline: 212-419-3737. NYC residents can visit NYC’s Department of Social Services.

College Students

If you're a college student, you can qualify for SNAP if you meet income requirements and one of these criteria:

• Work at least 20 hours per week (or earn the equivalent of the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours per week if self-employed).

• Participate in a state or federally funded work-study program.

• Provide care for dependents under six years old or those between six and twelve with no adequate childcare available.

• Are a single parent responsible for a dependent child under 12.

• Receive benefits from specific assistance programs.

• Get Unemployment Benefits.

• Enrolled full-time in higher education with a qualified career and technical education program.

For more information about SNAP, contact your local department of social services or call the toll-free OTDA Hotline: 1-800-342-3009.