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SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as "food stamps") provides food assistance for nearly 1.8 million low-income New Yorkers including families, people who are aging and people with disabilities. The program helps families and individuals supplement the cost of their diet with nutritious foods.

All Cash Assistance and SNAP applicants that have been approved for benefits will receive an EBT card in the mail. If your EBT card has not yet arrived, you can go to the Brooklyn OTC site for your permanent card, or one of seven open center locations for a temporary card that will have all benefits available until the EBT card arrives. Please see this list of locations.

Regarding case inquiries, HRA requires submitting a Client Consent Form to verify a client's consent before releasing case information to a third party.

Please be aware that unscrupulous individuals may use COVID-19 as an opportunity to create a scam in order to steal your personal information. Learn more about this Potential Fraud Scam Alert and other EBT Scams Alerts.

View the Protect Your Benefits - Skimming Flyer (FLY-1095) in:

How to Apply

Eligibility Factors

Here is a list of documents you may need to determine your eligibility for SNAP (W-129G):

Community Based Organization (CBO) Locations for Returning Documents

Need to return documents for your application? Here's a list of community partners who can help:

You can also submit documents using the ACCESS HRA app.

SNAP Need to Know Brochure (BRC-100)

Looking for a helpful overview to the SNAP application process?

View the SNAP Need to Know Brochure in:

View the Interactive version:

SUNY/CUNY/EOC Verification Form

View the SUNY/CUNY/EOC Student Verification of Enrollment Form (LDSS-5172) in:

Recertification

Instructions for recertifying for SNAP via phone (BRC-901E):

View in:

Recertifying for SNAP via IVRS (BRC-1051):

View in:

SNAP Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? View our SNAP Frequently Asked Questions.

Read the SNAP Nondiscrimination Statement.

SNAP On-Demand

Once you submit your online SNAP application or your recertification, call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) anytime between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday to complete your interview. Please remember to upload your documents using the ACCESS HRA app.

Shop for Groceries Online with your SNAP Benefits

Did you know that you can now use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to shop online for fresh produce and groceries? Learn more.

Expedited Benefits

You may be able to get Expedited Processing if:

  • Your household has less than $100 in cash or other available resources and will have less than $150 overall during the month that you apply, or
  • Your combined income and available resources in the month of application are less than the sum of your rent or mortgage plus heat, utilities and phone, or
  • At least one person in the household is a destitute migrant or seasonal farm worker and his/her cash and bank accounts are not more than $100.

For more information call HRA's Infoline at 718-557-1399.

Emergency Food Assistance

For information about emergency food program locations and hours of operation please call the Emergency FoodLine at 866-888-8777. This is an automated hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Check out our Food Assistance Locator for a map of food assistance locations.

Want to work with HRA to provide food assistance? Find information on becoming a food provider.

Expanded SNAP eligibility for college students during the COVID-19 emergency

During the COVID-19 emergency, there are new rules for the SNAP program which will allow more college students to get benefits.

  • If you are a student eligible to participate in a state or federal work-study program, you may now also be eligible for SNAP, even if you aren’t currently employed in work-study.
  • If your "expected family contribution" (EFC*) is $0, and you meet other SNAP eligibility requirements, you are eligible for SNAP.

*Your EFC is found in your Student Aid Report and it is calculated based on information provided in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

These new SNAP eligibility rules will last until one month after the public health emergency from COVID-19 is officially lifted. If you are able to get benefits thanks to these new rules, your benefits will last until your next recertification even if the public health emergency is ended first.

Health Bucks

Health Bucks are $2 coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at all NYC farmers markets. For every $2 spent at farmers markets using SNAP on an EBT card, you can get $2 in Health Bucks, up to $10 per day. Health Bucks are available year-round at NYC farmers markets that accept EBT. Learn more about the program, which is run jointly with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Emergency Broadband Benefit

If you receive SNAP or Cash Assistance, you may qualify for a $50 per month discount on your mobile or fixed broadband internet service, along with a one-time $100 discount for purchasing a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. To apply, visit getemergencybroadband.org.

View the Emergency Broadband Benefit flyer for additional information.