How To Apply For Food Stamps In New York

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families. The program is run by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you live in this state and need to apply for a New York Common Benefit Identification Card, then the information below shows you how to apply for food stamps in New York. If you have additional questions or concerns about the New York SNAP program or the EBT application process, please contact the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for assistance.

New York SNAP Eligibility
If your income (based on your family size) is less than or equal to the amounts in the charts below, 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 eligibility and benefit amount. The only way to determine if your household is eligible for SNAP benefits is to apply.

"Income" means your household's total gross monthly income before taxes and withholdings are subtracted. Benefits from other assistance programs such as Unemployment Insurance Benefits, public assistance payments, Social Security or SSI benefits count as income. Certain household expenses, such as monthly Child Support payments paid by a member of your household for a child who does not live with you, can be deducted from your household's gross income.

You Can Now Have Savings and Qualify for SNAP Benefits
In New York State, SNAP now allows you to have more money in a checking or savings account, or even a retirement account or college savings account, without affecting your eligibility for SNAP benefits. Most households applying for SNAP benefits no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get SNAP benefits. This means that the household's assets (stocks, savings and retirement accounts, etc.) are not considered when determining eligibility. Please note that if you apply for SNAP benefits, you may still be asked to provide information regarding such resources.

Income Guidelines (no elderly or disabled member)

*These figures are based upon SNAP Standards effective October 1, 2015.

Income Guidelines for Households with an Elderly or Disabled Member and Households with Dependent Care Expenses

*These figures are based upon SNAP Standards effective October 1, 2015.

Maximum SNAP Benefit Allowances

* These figures are based upon SNAP Standards effective October 1, 2015.

How to find out if you are eligible for New York SNAP Benefits
Visit myBenefits.ny.gov and click "Am I eligible?" to check your eligibility for SNAP benefits and other human services program benefits.

How do I apply for New York Food Stamps?
You can now apply for SNAP online, by mail, fax, or in person at your local department of social services or SNAP office.

Apply Online - You may apply for SNAP using the internet if you live in New York State by going to myBenefits.ny.gov. After your application is filed, the local department of social services or SNAP office will review your information, conduct an interview, and determine your household's eligibility for SNAP.

Apply by mail, fax or in person - You may apply by filing an application by mail, fax, or in person at your local department of social services or SNAP office. The current SNAP Application and How to Complete the SNAP Application forms are available to print in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean and Russian. To find out the location of your nearest SNAP office, contact your local department of social services.

In many locations throughout New York State, community organizations and nutrition outreach providers can help you get and complete an application for SNAP. After your application is filed, the local department of social services or SNAP office will review the application, conduct an interview, and determine your household's eligibility for SNAP.