Food & Nutrition

New York Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in New York State pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) also known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC). This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card 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.

Frequently asked questions

How does New York SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in New York?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DSS caseworker can assist you. 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: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
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 an urgent need for food, 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?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of New York State.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
Most able-bodied adults with no dependents (age 16 to 59) must meet certain work requirements. There are some exceptions.
The household must meet certain gross 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 the New York SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. While this chart provides a guide, the only way to determine if your household is eligible for SNAP benefits is to apply.

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.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A DSS caseworker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Standard deduction
Earned income deduction of 20%
Excess medical deductions (for people who are age 60+ and/or have a disability)
Dependent care expenses
Child support payments to non-household members
Shelter deduction

What are the New York SNAP asset limits?

Most New York households applying for SNAP no longer have to pass a savings/resource test to get benefits. This means your household's assets (stocks, savings and retirement accounts, etc.) are not counted when deciding whether you're eligible.

How do I prepare to apply?

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 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.

How do I apply for SNAP in New York

There are several ways to apply for New York SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online at 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

To apply online:

Go to the 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.

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.

To apply by mail or fax, you must first download and print a paper SNAP application. Once you have completed the application, you may mail or fax it to your local Department of Social Services. Find a location near you.

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 sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you and your household meet at least one of the following conditions:

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 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 in your area.
Contact your local DSS office.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in New York?

It can take up to 30 days for your DSS office to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you must call to have an interview with a DSS caseworker. These are usually done over the phone. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from the agency, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DSS caseworker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

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?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for New York SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

If you applied online, you can check your New York SNAP application status by visiting the 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, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in New York, that period is generally 6 or 12 months.

Once you qualify for SNAP benefits, 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. Going forward, benefits are deposited during the first two weeks of each month. The exact day you receive your benefits will depend on the last digit of your case number.

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 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 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.

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.

Reportable changes may include:

Job change or new income
Change in household size
Change in address
Changes in monthly expenses
Changes in child support paid

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.

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