The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the state’s largest nutrition assistance program, helping more than 2.5 million New Yorkers put food on their table each month.
SNAP
How it works
SNAP helps New Yorkers buy food. SNAP provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Card (EBT) to spend at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Benefits are calculated based on factors such as the number of people living in the home, income, and expenses.
Eligibility
To be eligible, a household must meet income and residency requirements. There are additional requirements for certain populations to receive SNAP.
SNAP Facts in NYS
2,700,000
or 1 in 7 people in NYS relied on SNAP to put food on their tables in 2019.
58
of SNAP participants are families with children. (2018)
1
per person per meal is provided by SNAP benefits in NYS in 2019
9
For every meal provided by Feeding America food banks, SNAP provides 9.
We’ve created flyers with SNAP facts and statistics individualized to each New York State Congressional District. Download them to use in your community.
Congressional District Data Sheets
TOOLS FOR YOU TO USE
SNAP Prescreening Guide
An Eligibility Prescreening Guide – October 2020 edition. Download this invaluable tool for community organizations that work with SNAP consumers.
SNAP Replacement Benefits
Learn about the process for requesting SNAP replacement benefits due to flooding, power outages or other misfortunes.
October 1 Updates
Tools and resources for community organizations working with SNAP applicants reflecting the Oct 1 adjustments to SNAP standards and deductions.
SNAP and Seniors
Information and outreach tools geared toward older adults, including NYSNIP guides and tools.
SNAP SPECIAL ELIGIBILITY RULES
Expanded College Student Eligibility
As of October 1, 2020, a SNAP policy change in NYS expanded the definition of an “eligible student,” allowing low-income students who were ineligible for SNAP to qualify to receive benefits.
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (Cat El)
SNAP Cat El allows households who have gross incomes between 130% and 200% of the federal poverty line – but whose costs for other basics like shelter, utilities, and child care, render their net incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty line – to qualify for a SNAP benefit.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)
Childless adults between the ages of 18 and 49 are referred to in SNAP regulations as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). Beginning October 1, 2020, SNAP offices throughout NYS are not to impose the ABAWD three-month time limit rule.
SNAP POLICY AND FEDERAL RULE CHANGES
Public Charge
SNAP & Immigrants: Get the Facts About Public Charge Changes to the “Public Charge” rule go into effect on February 24, 2020. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on…
Read More Proposed SNAP SUA Rule
The comment period has ended. Thank you to all who submitted comments. We will post updates to the proposed rule as they become available. Comments needed by December 2, 2019…
Read More We can help
We can provide you with information on SNAP policies, along with tools and resources to help you improve access to SNAP for those you serve. We also provide:
- Statewide and localized data on SNAP participation and food insecurity
- Information and materials to help your education or advocacy efforts
- Opportunities to partner with our NOEP program to expand local SNAP outreach.
Contact Dawn Secor, SNAP Policy Specialist, for assistance.
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