OTDA Home Programs & Services Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) Frequently Asked Questions for SNAP Households
Restaurant Meals Program Frequently Asked Questions for SNAP Households
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is not yet available in all areas and is being introduced on a limited basis first in Rochester, which is located in Monroe County. Approved restaurants will be added in other locations over the next few months. Please check back for updates.
The following information provides answers to SNAP households' most frequently asked questions.
What is the Restaurant Meals Program?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows some people aged 60 or older, and their spouses; individuals with disabilities, and their spouses; as well as those experiencing homelessness to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants with their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), along with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) manage the program in New York State. Local departments of social services are responsible for identifying eligible households and updating their SNAP cases.
Am I eligible for RMP?
If you, or your spouse, are age 60 or older, have a disability, or are experiencing homelessness, you may be eligible to purchase meals at participating restaurants using your SNAP benefits.
You can check if you have been identified as RMP eligible by logging into your ConnectEBT account at www.ConnectEBT.com or through the ConnectEBT mobile app. If you have not already set up a ConnectEBT account, one can be created using your EBT card number, PIN, and an email address. Upon logging in, those eligible for RMP will see “Restaurant Meals Program Eligible” displayed in the “Cardholder Information”. If you are not eligible for RMP, the “Restaurant Meals Program Eligible” message will not appear in the “Cardholder Information” section.
If you don't see “Restaurant Meals Program Eligible” in the “Cardholder Information” section, and believe you are eligible for RMP, you may contact your local department of social services to check if you are eligible.
Please note, if you are not eligible for RMP, you are responsible to pay the cost of any meal purchased at a restaurant.
Do I need to apply for RMP?
No, you do not need to apply for RMP. If eligible, your SNAP case will automatically be updated so you may use your SNAP EBT card to purchase meals at participating restaurants.
Will I receive more SNAP benefits each month because I am eligible for RMP?
No, your monthly SNAP benefit allotment will not change because you participate in RMP. You should carefully budget your SNAP benefits each month if you decide to use some benefits to purchase meals at a participating restaurant.
How do I find out if a restaurant is participating in RMP?
Restaurants participating in RMP will display the decal below on their doors or windows. For a complete list of participating restaurants visit: otda.ny.gov/programs/rmp/participating-restaurants/
What if my SNAP EBT transaction is declined at a RMP participating restaurant?
SNAP EBT transactions will be declined for two reasons:
- You are not eligible for RMP.
- Contact your local department of social services if you believe you should be eligible for RMP.
- You do not have enough available SNAP benefits to cover the cost of your meal. It is important that you make sure you have enough available SNAP benefits before purchasing a meal at a participating restaurant.
If your SNAP EBT transaction is declined after placing your order, please be prepared to pay for the meal using a different payment method (e.g., cash, credit or debit card).
How do I check my EBT card balance before ordering a meal at a RMP participating restaurant?
You can check your EBT balance by visiting www.connectebt.com, using the ConnectEBT app, or by calling 1-888-328-6399.
Will I be charged tax or tip when I purchase a meal at a RMP participating restaurant?
No, restaurants should not charge tax or tip for meals purchased using SNAP benefits through RMP. You will also receive a 10% discount when using your SNAP benefits to purchase a meal at a participating restaurant.
Are there any restrictions on what I can buy at a RMP participating restaurant?
Yes, you can only use your SNAP benefits to purchase food, and non-alcoholic beverages.