The ongoing federal government shutdown is not yet affecting programs overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance — including Public Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Applications are continuing to be accepted, benefits are being provided, and use of benefit cards are not impacted at this time. If the shutdown continues into November, benefits for SNAP and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) could be delayed. This message will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Last updated: October 17, 2025, 4:45 PM
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Summer EBT is a food benefit program that helps low-income families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals. Most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT food benefits, however, some families may need to apply.
A Fair Hearing is a chance for you to tell a hearing officer from OTDA why you think a decision about your case made by a local social services agency is wrong.
OTDA will then issue a written decision which will state whether the local agency's decision was right or wrong. The written decision may order the local agency to correct your case.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. SNAP benefits help low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.