The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operates in the United States with federal funds, distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the various states and territories in which they are available. In New York State, benefits are provided to qualifying families through their EBT cards, which work exactly the same as a debit or credit card.
The SNAP benefits can be used to buy breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products, as well as seeds and plants intended for growing food at home. Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco, non-food products such as pet food, soap, paper products, household cleaning supplies, as well as vitamins, and medicines are prohibited in the program.
New York Recipients to Receive Their Food Stamps This Week
In the state of New York, payments are distributed throughout the first 9 days of each month, that is, between May 1 and May 9, and each beneficiary is assigned his or her payday according to the last digit of his or her case number:
0 or 1 = benefits available on May 1st
2 = benefits available on May 2nd
3 = benefits available on May 3rd
4 = benefits available on May 4th
5 = benefits available on May 5th
6 = benefits available on May 6th
7 = benefits available on May 7th
8 = benefits available on May 8th
9 = benefits available on May 9th
To be eligible, the applicant must have gross income below certain thresholds, based on the number of people who make up his household.
In the state of New York, the income guidelines for households without earned Income (no elderly or disabled member) chart is as (family size, monthly gross income, and annual gross income, respectively):
- 1 person: $1,580 / $18,960
- 2 people: $2,137 / $25,644
- 3 people: $2,694 / $32,328
- 4 people: $3,250 / $39,000
- 5 people: $3,807 / $45,684
- 6 people: $4,364 / $52,368
- 7 people: $4,921 / $59,052
- 8 people: $5,478 / $65,736
- Each additional person $557+ / $6,684+
Income guidelines for households with earned income (no elderly or disabled member):
- 1 person: $1,823 / $21,876
- 2 people: $2,465 / $29,580
- 3 people: $3,108 / $37,296
- 4 people: $3,750 / $45,000
- 5 people: $4,393 / $52,716
- 6 people: $5,035 / $60,420
- 7 people: $5,678 / $68,136
- 8 people: $6,320 / $75,840
- Each additional person: $643+ / $7,716+
Income guidelines for households with an elderly or disabled member and households with dependent care expenses:
- 1 person: $2,430 / $29,160
- 2 people: $3,287/$39,444
- 3 people: $4,143/$49,716
- 4 people: $5,000/$60,000
- 5 people: $5,857/$70,284
- 6 people: $6,713/$80,556
- 7 people: $7,570/$90,840
- 8 people: $8,427/$101,124
- Each additional person: $857+ / $10,284+
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in New York?
Most New York households that have savings do not have to pass a review of those funds or resources, and still qualify for SNAP benefits. That means that household assets, such as stocks, savings accounts, and retirements, among others, are not considered or affect eligibility. Check your eligibility for a variety of other benefits by answering a few simple questions at https://mybenefits.ny.gov.
To start your application in New York, go to the official website of www.ny.gov, where you can find out what the necessary documents are to apply for your benefits.
Among other requirements, you will need to show your most recent pay stubs, list of household resources, rent or mortgage statements, current property tax bill, landlord insurance bill, and Social Security card for everyone in the household. If you have any further question, the SNAP benefits office in the state of New York has a direct phone number where you can call at 1-800-342-3009, Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM.
