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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Overview

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors.

Benefits

SNAP monthly benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores.

SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a bank debit card or credit card. If you are eligible, an EBT account is set up for you, and every month your benefits will be deposited right into your account.

Visit the SNAP page on the New York State website for more information on maximum SNAP benefit allowances. 

Eligibility

If your income (based on your family size) is less than or equal to the amounts in the charts found on the SNAP page on the New York State website, you may be eligible for SNAP benefits.

  • If your household's gross income is below these amounts, it does not ensure that you will be eligible for a benefit.
  • A SNAP budget must be calculated for your household in order to determine program eligibility and your actual benefit amount.
  • The only way to determine if your household is eligible for SNAP benefits is to apply.

Gross income means a household's total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been made such as taxes or other withholdings. Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding SNAP, please visit otda.ny.gov/SNAP for updated program information.

General questions about child nutrition programs and policy may be directed to the Child Nutrition office at (518) 473-8781, or cn@nysed.gov. 

Recertification

If you already get SNAP benefits in New York State, you will receive a recertification packet in the mail approximately two months prior to the end of your certification period so that you can recertify (renew your benefits). This recertification packet will include a SNAP application and a scheduled interview appointment on page one.

There are three important steps in the recertification process:

  1. You must submit a Recertification application before you can be interviewed on your scheduled interview appointment shown on page one of your recertification packet. You can submit your SNAP Recertification application by mail, from your home by using the internet (myBenefits.ny.gov), by fax, or in person at your local department of social services.
    If you submit your application AFTER the scheduled interview appointment on page one of your recertification packet, then it is YOUR responsibility to reschedule your interview appointment before the end of your recertification period.
  2. After you submit your application, you must be interviewed.
  3. After your interview, you may be asked to submit additional documents related to your income or circumstances.

For more information read the Recertification Frequently Asked Questions.