Recertification Frequently Asked Questions

When will I need to recertify?

Approximately two months before your SNAP certification period ends, you will receive a recertification packet in the mail that includes a SNAP application form and your scheduled phone interview appointment (date and time). It also includes a Call Request Time Form that you can complete and return in the mail with your recertification form if you need to reschedule your phone interview.

How do I recertify?

There are three important steps to follow when recertifying for SNAP benefits:

1. Complete and submit a SNAP recertification application. You can recertify (renew your benefits) without going to your social services office.

   Recertify Online:
   The fastest way to submit your recertification applications is online at www.myBenefits.ny.gov; or at ACCESS HRA if you live in new York City.

   For myBenefits:

   • If you have not applied online before, you can still recertify online. Clicking on “Apply for SNAP” will first take you through the process of creating an account username and password. Once you have done that, you can fill out the application and submit it online.
   • If you have applied online in the past, you can log into your account to recertify. Click on the 'Recertify Benefits.'' and you will be prompted to login to your account where you will be able to complete and submit an application online.

   You can also fill out the LDSS - 4826 SNAP Application and send it to your local department of social services by mail or fax, or drop it off in person.

   The LDSS-4826A - How to Complete the SNAP Application explains how to complete your application/recertification form.

2. Once you have submitted your SNAP recertification application, you must complete a recertification interview. You must submit a recertification application before you can be interviewed. If you submit your application after your scheduled interview appointment, it is your responsibility to reschedule your interview appointment before the end of your certification period. Your interview will be done over the telephone, or you can request a face-to-face interview be scheduled. You can reschedule your phone interview or request a face-to-face interview by filling out the Call Center Request Form in your packet and mailing it back with your completed recertification application.

3. During or after your interview, you may be asked to submit additional documents related to your income or circumstances.

What information will I need to provide?

After your interview, you may need to provide more information. This information is called proof. It proves that what you stated in your application and during your interview is correct. A list of some proof you might need to submit can be found below. Please note:

• If any additional documents are required after your interview, you will receive a separate notice telling you what you still need to provide. You will have at least ten (10) days to submit those documents.
• For faster service, please provide the proof needed with your application. Please send only copies of your documents because original documents cannot be returned to you. If you live in a district that uses NYDocSubmit*, you can submit your proof using the NYDocSubmit app which is explained below.

Your SNAP benefits may be reduced, delayed, or denied if you do not provide the proof needed by the end of your current certification period.

How do I send verification documents using NYDocSubmit?

NYDocSubmit is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information visit NYDocSubmit to check if the social services district in your county participates and find instructions on using the app.

Please note: NYDocSubmit should not be used to submit an initial application, a recertification application, a Change Report Form, or a Periodic Report.

What proof will I need to submit?

Along with your application, please provide proof of the following items if they apply to you:

• Earned income for the past four weeks.
• Changes in the source of household income (such as if you changed jobs, stopped working, started receiving Supplemental Security Income [SSI], etc.).
• Changes in how your heat and/or utilities are paid (such as if you switched heating companies, if you moved and have heat included in your rent, etc.).
• Changes in your living situation (such as where you live, who you live with, resources, family size, or child care costs).
• Medical expenses you have paid since your last SNAP application or recertification for anyone in your household who is 60 years of age or older, or has a disability. Although providing this proof is not mandatory for your SNAP eligibility, providing proof of such expenses may increase your benefit.
• Changes to your shelter costs (such as rent or mortgage, school and/or property taxes, water and/or sewer bills, trash bill, telephone bill, etc.).

What kind of proof will I need to provide to verify earned income?

Listed below are the most common documents used; the list is not complete. There are other documents that can be used, and only one form of proof is required.

Earned income may be verified by one or more of the following:

• Current wage stubs and statement of tips
• Pay envelopes
• Contact with employer
• Business records and related materials concerning self-employment earnings and expenses
• Current income tax return
• Statement from roomer, boarder, tenant
• Income tax records

What kind of proof will I need to provide to verify unearned income?

Unearned income may be verified by one or more of the following:

• Statement from family court
• Statement from person paying the income to you
• Statement from school
• Statement from bank or credit union
• Statement from broker/agent support
• Check stubs
• Current award certificate
• Current benefit check
• Official correspondence with New YorkState Department of Labor
• Official correspondence from the Social Security Administration
• Official correspondence from the Veterans Adimistration
• Official correspondence from source of income
• Award letter

What kind of proof will I need to provide to verify a change in shelter costs?

Changes in shelter costs may be verified by one or more of the following:

• Current rent receipt
• Current lease
• Mortgage book/records
• Property and school tax records
• Landlord statement or LDSS-3668 Shelter Verification form
• Sewer and water bills
• Homeowner's insurance records
• Fuel bills
• Non-heating utility bills
• Telephone bills

What kind of proof will I need to provide to verify a change in residence?

Changes in residence may be verified by one or more of the following:

• Statement from Landlord or LDSS-3668 Shelter Verification form
• Current Rent Receipt or Lease
• Mortgage Records
• Statement from Another Person
• Current Mail
• School Records
• Fuel/Utility bill

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

Providing proof of medical care costs for anyone in your household who is 60 years of age or older, or has a disability is optional, but doing so may increase your benefit amount. Medical expenses may be verified by one or more of the following:

• Copies of medical bills (paid and unpaid)
• Provider Statement of Health Insurance premiums
• Medicare Prescription Drug Card

What kind of proof will I need to provide to verify dependent care costs?

Providing proof of dependent care costs is optional, but doing so may increase your benefit amount. Dependent care costs may be verified by one or more of the following:

• Court order
• Statement from day care center or other child care provider
• Statement from aide or attendant
• Cancelled checks or receipts

If you need help getting any required documents, please let your local department of social services know as soon as possible, and they can assist you.

If any additional documents are required after your interview, you will receive a separate notice telling you what you still need to provide. You will have at least ten (10) days to provide those documents.

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