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| Geocoding Courtesy of MapQuest 
This is the second post in our blog series about the food stamp, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), in each of the 50 states. In this post we will cover the New York state SNAP program. Like the other posts in this series, we will cover the basics of SNAP, the specifics of the program in each state, how and where to apply for food stamps in each state, how SNAP benefits are received, and how to use this site to find stores where food stamps can be used.
The New York food stamp program is run by the Department of Temporary and Disability Assistance (with funding from the US Government). The program, like the program in other states, gives low-income families and individuals monetary assistance to purchase food. The amount of cash assistance varies from state to state and depends on the number of people in your household and your household’s monthly income. In general, the higher the income, the lower the benefits; the larger the household, the higher the benefits. New York lists it’s guidelines for eligibility here. An online guide that estimates your eligibility for SNAP (as well as the Women, Infant and Children program) is available here. As of 2014, this table lists benefit eligibility for families with no elderly or disabled members.
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income | Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 1,265 | $ 15,180 |
| 2 | $ 1,705 | $ 20,460 |
| 3 | $ 2,144 | $ 25,728 |
| 4 | $ 2,584 | $ 31,008 |
| Each additional person | $ 440 + | $ 5,280 + |
This table shows the income eligibility levels for households with an elderly or disabled member.
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income | Annual Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 1,945 | $ 23,340 |
| 2 | $ 2,622 | $ 31,464 |
| 3 | $ 3,298 | $ 39,576 |
| 4 | $ 3,975 | $ 47,700 |
| Each additional person | $ 677 + | $ 8,124 + |
The application for SNAP benefits can be found online, here. The form will ask you a series of questions that determine your eligibility. They will ask you about the people in your home, the money you get from a job or other places, your housing costs and a few other bills. It is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Haitian, Russian, Italian, and other languages. You can also apply in person at a NY County SNAP Office or, if you’re in New York City, a local borough SNAP Office. For help applying, find help in your county here.
After you submit your application, you may have to complete an eligibility interview on the same day you file your application, or you may be asked to come back another day for a complete interview. If you qualify for SNAP, you will get benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office got your application.
All benefits are delivered electronically, through EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer). In New York the money is put onto a specialized type of debit card called a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC). There are guidelines on what types of food can be purchased with SNAP benefits - in New York you can buy any food for human consumption or seeds and plants for use in home gardens to grow food. You cannot buy hot food that are ready to eat, food intended to be heated up in the store, food to be eaten in the store, vitamins or medicine, pet food, non-food items, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco.
If you are looking to find places in New York to use SNAP benefits, you came to the right place! Just type your zip code or address into the box in the upper right of this page and select “Food Stamp Retailers” from the dropdown - you will see all the stores that accept the Link card, sorted by distance from you!