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SNAP benefits in NYC
A simple guide to getting and using SNAP (also known as food stamps) in New York City
SNAP basics
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It used to be called food stamps. SNAP recipients get monthly benefits they can use to buy groceries. The benefits are delivered on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Households must have an income below a certain level to be eligible for SNAP. How much money for food they get depends on income and expenses. The highest possible SNAP payment is about $200-$300 per month per person in the household.
In New York City, SNAP is administered by the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
SNAP eligibility
SNAP eligibility is mostly based on household size and income.
This simple tool will help you check if you might be eligible for SNAP. This is a general guideline for eligibility, not an official determination. You have a right to apply for SNAP, even if this tool says you are unlikely to be eligible.
Eligibility for expedited SNAP
Some households may qualify for expedited SNAP processing (sometimes called ESNAP). HRA will automatically check if you qualify for expedited processing when you apply for SNAP.
You might be eligible for expedited processing if:
Your household has little or no income or resources, or
Your rent and utility expenses are more than your income and resources
After you complete your interview, HRA will also determine if you're eligible for a one-time expedited benefit. You might receive this one-time benefit while HRA checks if you're eligible for ongoing benefits.
Typical SNAP application timeline
- Fill out an application
- Complete an interview
- Complete interview within 7 days of filling out application to be eligible for expedited benefits
- Submit documents
- Submit documents as soon as possible
- Application complete
- Wait for determination
- Up to 30 days after applying
- Application approved
- If application is rejected, you can apply again later
- EBT card arrives in the mail
- Up to five business days after approval
- You can also pick up a temporary EBT card at a SNAP center
Fill out an application
When you apply for SNAP, you will be asked to enter information about you, the other members of your household, your income, and your expenses. You should put as much information on the application as you can. Even if you don’t put something on your application, HRA may still ask you about it.
Cash Assistance is another program that gives money on EBT cards. It has different requirements and lower income limits than SNAP.
If you apply for Cash Assistance, you will also be considered for SNAP and Medicaid at the same time using the same application. You can be approved for SNAP and Medicaid even if you’re denied for Cash Assistance. You do not need to apply for SNAP separately if you’ve applied for Cash Assistance.
Where to do this step
Best option
Tip
ACCESS HRA is available in many languages.
Other options
Apply in person at a SNAP center
Apply in person with a community-based partner organization
Complete an interview
After you submit your application, you must complete an interview. During the interview, a SNAP eligibility worker will review your application with you.
You can complete your interview and submit documents in any order. We recommend calling for your interview first. Your interviewer will help you figure out which documents you need.
SNAP interviews take about 30 minutes. Be prepared to answer questions about your household’s:
Income
Expenses
Citizenship statuses
Personal details like birthdays and social security numbers
To be considered for expedited processing, complete your interview within seven days of applying
If you don’t complete your interview within 30 days of applying, your application will be rejected.
Where to do this step
Best option
Call the SNAP on demand interview phone line at 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669). No appointment necessary.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m
Languages: Free interpretation is available
Tip
The best time to call for your interview is Thursday or Friday afternoon. The call center is busiest on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
Other options
Interview in person at a SNAP center. You have the right to visit a SNAP center and request assistance with an in-center phone interview or an in-person interview.
Submit required documents
You might need to submit documents to verify the information on your application.
Sometimes, HRA can verify information without needing documents. During your interview, HRA will help you figure out which documents you need to submit.
The most commonly requested documents are:
Photo ID
Pay stubs
Utility bills
Leases
Submit your required documents as soon as you can to speed up the decision process.
Where to do this step
Best option
Take photos of documents or upload PDFs using the ACCESS HRA mobile app
Watch video instructions on YouTube
Other options
Submit documents in person at a SNAP center
Tip
Link your application to your account
If you apply for SNAP online using ACCESS HRA, your case will automatically be linked to your ACCESS HRA account.
If you apply in person or by mail, you should create an access HRA account. Then search for your case to link it to your account.
Linking your case to your ACCESS HRA account will let you check your status online. You can also sign up for text and email notifications about your case.
Check status and wait for determination
After you finish your interview and submit all required documents, HRA has to process your application and determine whether you’re eligible for SNAP benefits. HRA has up to 30 calendar days to make a determination on your case, and if you are found eligible, to issue SNAP benefits.
If you qualify for expedited processing, you might receive a one-time benefit within seven days.
When they determine your eligibility, HRA will send a letter telling you the decision. If you signed up for notifications on ACCESS HRA, you will also get an email and text message.
While you’re waiting, you can check your account status on ACCESS HRA.
Where to do this step
You can check your status on your ACCESS HRA dashboard. It will show your cases and applications in progress.
What your case status means
Application Received: HRA received your SNAP application. You might still need to complete your interview or submit documents.
In Progress: HRA has issued an expedited one-time benefit while your full application is being reviewed. HRA is still processing your case for ongoing benefits.
Active: Your SNAP case is open and you’re receiving regular monthly benefits.
Expiring Soon: It’s time for you to recertify.
Periodic Report Due: It’s time for you to submit a periodic report.
Rejected: Your application was denied (this will appear under Past Cases in ACCESS HRA).
Closed: Your case used to be active, but is now closed (this will appear under Past Cases in ACCESS HRA).
Get an EBT card
If your SNAP application is approved, an EBT card will be mailed to you and HRA will issue your first ongoing payment. You should get your card in the mail within five business days of when your application was approved.
If you can’t wait for your EBT card to arrive in the mail or think it’s lost, you can pick up a card in person.
Where to do this step
Best option
Wait for your EBT card to arrive in the mail
Other options
Pick up a temporary EBT card at any SNAP center
Pick up your permanent EBT card during business hours at the Common Benefit Identification Card Services office at 785 Atlantic Ave, 1st floor, Brooklyn
Use SNAP to buy food
After you get your EBT card, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy groceries. SNAP benefits are deposited into your EBT account around the same time each month.
You can only use SNAP to pay for certain things. Learn what SNAP can buy (federal government site)
EBT scams are common. Follow these tips to prevent thieves from stealing your SNAP benefits:
Freeze your EBT card using ebtEDGE. Only unfreeze it before you buy something, then freeze it again.
Check terminals in stores for credit card skimmers
Change your PIN and check your balance often
Don’t give out your EBT information over the phone
Where to do this step
Spend SNAP benefits using your EBT card at participating stores, farmers markets, and websites
Use ebtEDGE to manage your EBT card and view your balance
The most up-to-date information about your SNAP balance is on the ebtEDGE app. The EBT balance information on ACCESS HRA is only updated once per week.
Report changes
You’ll continue to get SNAP payments during your certification period unless your situation changes. During this time, you might be required to report changes to your household's situation. That includes changes to:
Income
Savings
Address
Who lives in your household
Employment
There are different reporting requirements for different SNAP recipients.
Read the full SNAP change reporting rules
One common requirement is a six-month periodic report. If you're required to submit this, HRA will send you a blank report in the mail about six months after your application was approved. Your case status will also say Periodic Report Due on ACCESS HRA.
If you don’t report required changes or complete your periodic report, your SNAP case will be closed and you’ll stop receiving payments. In some cases, you may have to repay benefits.
Where to do this step
Best option
Report changes using the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app.
Other options
Report changes in person at a SNAP center
Because of changes to federal law, some New Yorkers receiving SNAP must now abide by new work requirements.
These requirements only apply to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Generally, you’re considered an ABAWD if you:
Are 18 through 64, and
Aren’t living with a child under 14, and
Don’t have a physical or mental barrier that prevents you from working
HRA will send a letter identifying any members of your household that are considered ABAWDs.
HRA will connect ABAWDs with a career services provider that will help them meet the new work requirements, if they aren't already meeting them on their own. Meeting these requirements will let ABAWDs keep their SNAP benefits.
Recertify
When your SNAP certification period is ending, you must recertify to keep receiving benefits. Certification periods in NYC are usually one year long.
Recertifying is similar to applying. Most people must:
Submit a recertification form
Complete an interview
Submit required documents
It’s important to recertify as early as possible so you don’t miss a SNAP payment. You can recertify as early as 60 days before the end of your current certification period.
HRA will send you a notice in the mail when it's time to recertify. Your case status will also say Expiring Soon on ACCESS HRA.
Where to do this step
Best option
Submit your recertification form using the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app.
Other options
File a recertification form in person at a SNAP center
Seniors and people with disabilities may be able to recertify using a phone system. You’ll receive a notice with instructions in the mail if you’re eligible for this option. More about recertifying by phone [PDF]
If your SNAP application is rejected
If your application was rejected because you didn’t complete an interview or submit documents in time, you can apply again. Start a new application at any time.
If your application was rejected because you’re ineligible and your situation has not changed, look into these other food help programs:
Get help
Questions about a specific SNAP case
ACCESS HRA
Check your case status and notifications on ACCESS HRA
DSS OneNumber
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Languages: Free interpretation is available
Tip
The call center is least busy on Thursday or Friday afternoons. The call center is busiest on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
If you’re calling about the status of a SNAP application and all of the following is true:
You finished your interview, and
You submitted all your documents, and
Your case status says Application Received on ACCESS HRA, and
It’s been less than 30 days since you applied, and
You’re not eligible for expedited processing
Then HRA is processing your case and won’t be able to give you more information than what you can see on ACCESS HRA.
General questions about SNAP
311
Dial 311 from anywhere in the five boroughs
Hours: Available 24/7
Languages: Free interpretation is available
Help for people with disabilities
You can request a reasonable accommodation to get help with the SNAP process.
Other options
Visit a SNAP center for in-person assistance
Get help from a community-based partner organization