New York Food Stamps (SNAP): 2026 Guide to Eligibility, Benefits & EBT
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), still widely called “food stamps,” helps low-income New Yorkers afford nutritious food. SNAP issues monthly electronic benefits that work like cash for eligible food purchases. This guide explains how the program works in New York for the federal fiscal year running October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, including who qualifies, how much you may receive, and how to apply.
How SNAP Works in New York
SNAP is a federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered in New York by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Day-to-day case processing is handled by your local department of social services (LDSS). In New York City, applications and cases are managed by the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA).
Once approved, your benefits are loaded each month onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, called the Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC) in New York. You use the card at grocery stores, supermarkets, many farmers’ markets, and other authorized retailers to buy food.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility depends mainly on household size, income, and certain expenses. A “household” generally includes people who live together and purchase and prepare meals together. Most applicants must meet both gross and net income tests, though households with an elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled member may be subject only to the net income test. Citizenship or qualified non-citizen status and a Social Security number (or proof of application for one) are also required for those seeking benefits.
Income Limits
SNAP uses two income tests. The gross monthly income test compares your household’s total income before deductions to 130% of the federal poverty level. The net monthly income test applies after allowable deductions (such as a standard deduction, earned income deduction, dependent care, child support paid, and excess shelter costs) and compares the result to 100% of the poverty level. Households with an elderly or disabled member generally only need to pass the net income test.
Table 1: SNAP Income Eligibility Limits — Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 (48 contiguous states & D.C.)
| Household Size | Gross monthly income (130% of poverty) | Net monthly income (100% of poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $2,292 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,888 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $3,483 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $4,079 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $4,675 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $5,271 | $4,055 |
| 8 | $5,867 | $4,513 |
| Each additional member | +$596 | +$459 |
Resource & Asset Limits
New York has adopted broad-based categorical eligibility, which means most households do not face a separate countable resource (asset) limit when applying for SNAP. Households that are not categorically eligible may be subject to federal resource limits. Vehicles, a primary home, and most retirement accounts are generally not counted. Because rules can change and individual circumstances vary, check your eligibility through myBenefits.ny.gov or your local department of social services.
Work Requirements (ABAWD)
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) may face a time limit on SNAP benefits unless they meet a work requirement, generally working or participating in a qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month. Exemptions apply for certain groups, including people who are pregnant, caring for a child or incapacitated person, medically unfit to work, or covered by a waiver. New York periodically requests waivers for areas with insufficient jobs. Contact your local social services office to confirm whether the requirement currently applies to you and whether you qualify for an exemption.
How Much You Can Get (Benefit Amounts)
Your monthly benefit depends on household size, income, and deductions. SNAP expects households to spend about 30% of their net income on food, so the program subtracts roughly 30% of net monthly income from the maximum allotment for your household size. Households with very low or no net income may receive the maximum amount. The smallest households are guaranteed a minimum benefit. The figures below show the maximum monthly allotments for the current federal fiscal year.
Table 2: Maximum Monthly SNAP Allotment — Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 (48 contiguous states & D.C.)
| Household Size | Maximum monthly allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional member | +$218 |
How to Apply in New York
You can apply for SNAP in several ways. The fastest option for most New Yorkers is to apply online. There is no cost to apply, and you can submit an application even if you are unsure whether you qualify.
Ways to Apply
- Online (statewide): Apply or check potential eligibility at myBenefits.ny.gov. The site includes an “Am I Eligible?” pre-screening tool.
- Online (New York City): NYC residents apply through the HRA ACCESS HRA portal at nyc.gov/accesshra or via ACCESS NYC. The free ACCESS HRA mobile app can also be used.
- By phone: Call the OTDA toll-free hotline at 1-800-342-3009 for help and information. In New York City, call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399 to have a paper application mailed to you.
- In person: Visit your local department of social services. NYC residents can visit an HRA SNAP Center.
- By mail: Request a paper application, complete it, and mail or drop it off at your local social services office.
Documents You’ll Need
Be ready to provide proof of identity, residence, income (pay stubs or other documentation), housing costs (rent or mortgage and utilities), and certain expenses such as child care or medical costs for elderly or disabled members. You will also need Social Security numbers for household members who are applying. If you do not have every document at first, submit your application anyway, because the date you apply can affect your benefit start date.
The Eligibility Interview
Most applicants must complete an interview, which is usually conducted by phone or in person. During the interview, a caseworker reviews your application, verifies your household and financial details, and explains what additional documents may be needed. Watch for a scheduled interview notice and respond promptly to avoid delays.
Expedited (Emergency) SNAP
Households with very low income and resources, or with high housing and utility costs relative to income, may qualify for expedited SNAP and receive benefits within five calendar days. You still must complete the application process and provide required verifications, but emergency processing speeds up your first benefit. Tell the office right away if you think you qualify.
Using Your EBT Card
Approved benefits are loaded monthly onto your Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC), New York’s EBT card. Use it like a debit card at the checkout of authorized grocery stores, supermarkets, and participating farmers’ markets. SNAP covers most foods and seeds or plants that produce food, but it cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, vitamins, or non-food household items. To check your balance, report a lost or stolen card, or change your PIN, call EBT customer service at 1-888-328-6399 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or use the ebtEDGE app or website. Protect your PIN, as benefits stolen through card skimming or scams may not always be replaceable.
Reporting Changes & Recertification
SNAP benefits are approved for a set certification period. New York uses simplified reporting for most households, meaning you generally must report when your household’s gross monthly income exceeds the limit for your household size, and you must report other required changes at recertification. Before your certification period ends, you must recertify to keep receiving benefits. Complete recertification and any required interview on time through myBenefits.ny.gov, ACCESS HRA (for NYC), or your local office to avoid a gap in benefits.
Appeals & Fair Hearings
If your application is denied, or your benefits are reduced or stopped, and you disagree, you have the right to request a fair hearing. A fair hearing is an impartial review where you can explain why you believe the decision was wrong. You can request one by phone, by mail, or online through OTDA. In many cases, if you request a hearing before the effective date of a reduction or closing, your benefits may continue unchanged until the hearing decision. Deadlines apply, so act quickly after receiving a notice.
Other Food Assistance in New York
If you need food right away or do not qualify for SNAP, additional help is available. Food banks and local food pantries provide free groceries and meals. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supports pregnant people, new parents, and young children. The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs help feed eligible students. Older adults may access home-delivered or congregate meals through aging services. You can find local resources by calling 211 or contacting your local department of social services.
New York SNAP Contact Information
- Administering agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) — otda.ny.gov/programs/snap
- Apply online (statewide): myBenefits.ny.gov
- Apply online (NYC): nyc.gov/accesshra / access.nyc.gov
- OTDA toll-free hotline: 1-800-342-3009
- NYC HRA Infoline: 718-557-1399
- EBT customer service (CBIC card): 1-888-328-6399 (24/7)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SNAP program called in New York? It is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. It is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), and by the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) for New York City residents.
How do I apply for SNAP in New York? Apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov. New York City residents apply through ACCESS HRA at nyc.gov/accesshra or via access.nyc.gov. You can also apply in person at your local department of social services or request a paper application by mail.
How long does it take to get benefits? If eligible, you generally receive benefits within 30 days of applying. Households with urgent need may qualify for expedited SNAP and receive benefits within five calendar days.
What is the New York EBT card called? New York issues benefits on the Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC), the state’s EBT card. For balance, PIN, or lost-card help, call 1-888-328-6399.
Can I check whether I qualify before applying? Yes. Use the “Am I Eligible?” pre-screening tool at myBenefits.ny.gov to get an estimate before you submit a full application.
What can I buy with SNAP? SNAP covers most foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and seeds or plants that produce food. It cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, vitamins, or non-food items.