Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to many commonly asked questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can be found in this section. Click on each of the questions below to learn more about SNAP.

How can I find out where to apply for SNAP?

Probably, the quickest way is to apply for SNAP online at myBenefits.ny.gov or https://access.nyc.gov/ if you live in New York City. After your application is filed, the SNAP office will review your information, conduct an interview, and determine your household's eligibility for SNAP.

You may also apply in person, by mail, or fax. To find the address and phone number of the SNAP office nearest you, call the toll-free New York State Temporary Assistance Hotline at 1-800-342-3009. By following the prompts on the automated caller response system, you can find the address and phone number of the SNAP office for where you live.

You can also choose the option to speak to an operator, and they will give you the information about the SNAP office for where you live. You may also find a listing for your county Department of Social Services in the blue pages of government office listings in your phone book. If you live in New York City, you should look for the listings of the Human Resources Administration. You may also visit the following websites: Local Departments of Social Services or New York City SNAP Centers.

In many locations throughout New York State, there are community organizations that can help you get and complete an application for the SNAP Program. Most of these organizations can also screen you to see if you might be eligible. For a list of these organizations visit the Nutritional Outreach Educational Providers website. The current SNAP/Food Stamp Application is also available from this site in English, Arabic, Chinese, Haitian/Creole, Korean, Russian and Spanish.

How do I go about getting SNAP?

If you want to find out if you may be eligible to receive SNAP, visit myBenefits.ny.gov and click on Am I Eligible? to use the SNAP pre-screening eligibility tool. Please note: This pre-screening tool is not an application for SNAP.

In order to apply for SNAP, you need to file an electronic or paper application with your local county Department of Social Services, or, if you live in one of the five boroughs of New York City, with your local SNAP Center.

If you decide to submit a paper application, the SNAP office must give you an application form on the same day you ask for one. The office also must accept and register your application on the same day you turn it in.

You may submit, and the SNAP office must accept, your application as long as you have filled in your name, address and telephone number (if you have one) and signed the application. However, you should try to provide as much information as you can. Whatever information you cannot provide, a SNAP worker can help you complete at your eligibility interview.

You may have a complete eligibility interview done on the same day you file your application, or you may be asked to come back another day for a complete interview. If you qualify for SNAP, you must get them no later than 30 days from the date the office got your application.

Can an application be mailed to me?

Yes, to request a mailed application you should call or write your local Department of Social Services office or, in New York City, your local SNAP Center.

Also, you may download and print a SNAP application from this website or ask that someone pick one up for you from your local County Department of Social Service office or center.

Who can help me apply for SNAP?

In many locations throughout New York State, nutrition outreach providers are available to help you apply for SNAP. More information may be found at http://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/online.asp.

How can I know if I might be eligible for SNAP?

To find out if you may be eligible for SNAP Benefits, visit myBenefits.ny.gov and click on Am I Eligible? to use the SNAP pre-screening eligibility tool. Please note: The pre-screening tool is not an application for SNAP. The tool will look at the information you provided to see if you might be able to get help with buying food and other services. You'll have to apply for the programs listed to get a final decision about benefits, and information will be provided to let you know how to do that. Keep in mind that you always have the right to apply for these benefits.

In New York State, the SNAP Program now allows you to have more money in a checking or savings account, or even a retirement account, without affecting your eligibility for SNAP benefits. As of January 1, 2008, most households applying for SNAP benefits no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get SNAP benefits. This means having money in a savings, checking or retirement account, or having other resources, will not keep you from being eligible for SNAP benefits, as long as you meet the income guidelines.

I hear about some people getting SNAP right away, or within a few days of applying. How is that possible?

Even if the SNAP office cannot do a complete eligibility interview for you on the same day you file your application, you at least must be screened to see if you qualify for what is called "expedited" consideration.

If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, you may qualify for "expedited" SNAP. If you do, you must receive your initial SNAP benefit within seven days. You will still have to complete the eligibility process, and supply all the required documentation at a later date.

As a non-citizen, can I get SNAP benefits?

Many non-citizens may be eligible for SNAP benefits if they are one of the following:

  • Refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, Asylees, Amerasian immigrants, individuals with deportation or removal withheld, Hmong or Highland Laotians, victims of human trafficking, parolees for at least one year, conditional entrants, North American Indians born in Canada and members of federally recognized tribes;
  • Honorably discharged U.S. veteran, the spouse and unmarried dependent children;
  • Aliens on active duty in the U.S. military service, the spouse and unmarried dependent children;
  • Aliens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year;
  • Certain battered immigrants and their children or parents; and
  • Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) in the U.S. for 5 years
  • LPR with certain disability benefits
  • LPR with 40 qualifying quarters
  • LPR under age 18

Important: Participating in SNAP does not affect a person’s immigration status and/or ability to become a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Applying for or receiving SNAP benefits does not make you a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination.

Applying for or receiving SNAP will not affect your ability to:

  • Remain in the United States,
  • Get a Green Card/Lawful Permanent Resident Status,
  • Keep a Green Card/Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or
  • Become a United States citizen.

You can also apply for SNAP on behalf of the eligible immigrants or U.S. citizens in your family, even if you do not want to apply for benefits for yourself, without affecting your or their immigration status.

For example, if a parent is not eligible for SNAP because of their immigration status, they can still apply for their eligible children. The SNAP office is not allowed to ask for immigration documents for people who are not applying to receive benefits themselves.

Can college students get SNAP?

Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled at least half-time in college or other institution of higher education are not eligible for SNAP. However, students may be able to get SNAP, if otherwise eligible, if they:

  • Receive public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program; or
  • Take part in a state or federally-financed work study program; or
  • Work an average 20 hours per week; or
  • Are a single parent enrolled full time and taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 12.

Students also may be able to get SNAP, if otherwise eligible, if they are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6, or if they are taking care of a dependent household member age 6 through 11 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, or take part in a state or federally-financed work study program while attending school.

Students who are assigned to or placed in college or certain other schools as part of certain job or employment training programs, or are attending a SUNY or CUNY comprehensive college, technology college, or community college and enrolled in a qualified career and technical education program may also be eligible for SNAP. Additionally, students attending any of the 10 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) in New York State and enrolled in a career and technical education program, remedial course, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language may also be eligible for SNAP.

What can I purchase with SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), has strict rules and regulations in place regarding the use of SNAP benefits. Allowable food purchases are very specific.

A detailed list of items that may be purchased with SNAP benefits can be found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items/.

Households CAN use SNAP benefits to buy:

Foods for the household to eat, such as, but not limited to:

  • Breads and cereals
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meats, fish and poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat

Households CANNOT use SNAP benefits to buy:

  • Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
  • Food that will be eaten in the store
  • Hot foods
  • Any nonfood items, such as:
    • Pet foods
    • Soaps, paper products
    • Household supplies
    • Vitamins and medicines

What do I do if I am no longer in need of SNAP benefits and want to close my SNAP case?

If you would like to close your SNAP case, you must contact your local Department of Social Services. Please note at this time you cannot request your case closed online.

What do I do if my financial circumstances change?

Changes in household circumstances which occur during the SNAP certification period may need to be reported depending on the reporting rules that apply to your household. Please refer to SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CHANGE REPORT FORM for information about the change reporting rules that apply to your household or contact your local Department of Social Services if you have further questions.

For more information and where to apply, call 1-800-342-3009, or if in NYC call 1-877-472-8411 or 311. For more information, visit NYC Human Resources Administration.

Why is New York required to implement Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) requirements?

ABAWD rules are required by the federal government. Social services districts that do not qualify for county based ABAWD waivers are required to implement ABAWD work requirements.

New York State is currently operating under a federal waiver of the ABAWD time limit in all areas of the State for the period October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2025 so no ABAWD is subject to the time limit requirement during this period.

Who is Not Subject to ABAWD requirements?

A SNAP recipient who meets any of the following conditions is not subject to ABAWD work requirements; but, in some instances may still be required to participate in work activities that are assigned under public assistance and/or SNAP employment and training:

  • A person under 18 years of age
  • A person 51 years of age or older
    • As of October 1, 2023: a person 53 years of age and older
    • As of October 1, 2024: a person 55 years of age and older
  • An adult in a SNAP household with a child under 18 years of age
  • A person responsible for the care of an incapacitated person (the incapacitated person does NOT need to live in the household)
  • A pregnant person
  • A person who is physically or mentally unable to work at least 80 hours per month
  • A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
  • A recipient of disability benefits from a public or private source, such as NYS disability benefits
  • A recipient or pending receipt of Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB)
  • A student enrolled in any recognized school, job skills training, or institution of higher education at least half-time and meeting the student eligibility criteria to receive SNAP
  • An applicant for SNAP benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) jointly or in receipt of SSI
  • Employed or self-employed and working at least 30 hours per week or receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the federal minimum wage times 30 (currently $217.50 per week)
  • A person who served in the US Armed Forces or reserve component of the US Armed Forces
  • A homeless person
  • A person who is 24 years of age or younger and who was in foster care on their 18th birthday

Note: New York State is currently operating under a federal waiver of the ABAWD time limit in all areas of the State for the period October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2025 so no ABAWD is subject to the time limit requirement during this period.

What is an ABAWD required to do?

To maintain eligibility for SNAP benefits for more than three months in the 36-month period that started January 1, 2022, an ABAWD must complete and document participation in one of the following each month:

  • Work (including “in-kind” work and volunteer work) for at least 80 hours per month;
  • Participate in a qualifying work/training program approved by the social services district for at least 80 hours per month;
  • Comply with a Work Experience Program (WEP) assignment for the number of hours per month equal to the SNAP grant divided by the higher of the federal or State minimum wage;
  • Participate in an employment and training program for veterans operated by the Department of Labor or the Department of Veterans Affairs for at least 80 hours per month;
  • Participate in a program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or Trade Act which may include job search, job readiness, occupational skills training and education activities for at least 80 hours per month; or
  • Participate in a combination of work or qualifying work programs for at least 80 hours per month.

Note: New York State is currently operating under a federal waiver of the ABAWD time limit in all areas of the State for the period October 1, 2020 through February 28, 2025 so no ABAWD is subject to the time limit requirement during this period.

How can I review the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) State Plan?

A copy of the SNAP E&T State Plan is available at the New York State Office of Temporary Assistance main office located at 40 North Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12243.

To view a copy, please contact the Public Information Office:
Email: nyspio@otda.ny.gov
Telephone: 518-474-9516

This page contains links to PDF documents. Download Acrobat Reader to view these documents.

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