SNAP (Food Stamps)

  Related links
NYC311 Home Report Problems Look Up Service Requests Browse Topics

Need something else?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, helps people with limited income buy food. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores and supermarkets.

Stores that accept SNAP are not allowed to set a minimum purchase amount to use the benefit.

You must submit a SNAP application form and supporting documents to the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to see if you are eligible for SNAP benefits. You can also get help filing your application form at a SNAP Center or with a participating Community Based Organization (CBO).After you submit your application, you must complete an eligibility interview and submit required documents.

If you are eligible for SNAP benefits, you will get them within 30 days. To maintain your benefits, you will have to recertify periodically.

EBT Card Information and Assistance

Visit the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Assistance for Clients page instead for information about:

  • How to use EBT cards
  • Replacing lost or stolen EBT cards
  • Checking EBT card balance
  • Changing/resetting a PIN number

Eligibility is based on household size, income, and household expenses. You are not required to screen for eligibility before applying for SNAP.

If you receive SSI/Disability benefits, you can still qualify for SNAP. Receiving SNAP does not reduce your SSI/Disability payments.

If you are a caregiver who is not a foster parent but are financially responsible for a child or children in your care, you may be eligible for SNAP.

You are not required to be fingerprinted to get SNAP.

Download a list of eligibility requirements and necessary documents.

Use the ACCESS NYC eligibility screener.

Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Requirements

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements are currently waived until February 29, 2024.  

The quickest way to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits is online. You can use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App from anywhere and at any time to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits.

You can also submit documents using the Document Upload feature on the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

Application and Recertification Forms

You must submit a SNAP application form and required documents to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits. A simplified SNAP application form is available for households where no one in the household has earned income and all adults in the household have a disability or are age 60 or older.  

You can get a SNAP application form:

Online

Download a SNAP application from HRA's website in the "How to Apply" section.

In Person

You can pick up an application from any SNAP Center. Find a SNAP Center near you.

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Automated Assistance is available in multiple languages 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

Required Documents

You should submit your SNAP application form with documents that prove your eligibility. If you do not have all the documents, you can submit your application and then give HRA the documents when they are requested.

Documents for eligibility include:

  • Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card)
  • Proof of address (unless you are homeless), such as:
    • Apartment or house lease
    • Utility bill
    • Rent receipt
    • Mortgage statement
  • Social Security numbers of all applicants or proof of application for a Social Security Number
  • Proof of the amount of all earned and unearned income before taxes or deductions, such as:
    • Pay stubs for the past four weeks
    • Employer wage statement
    • Benefits letter from:
      • Social Security
      • NYS Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Benefits
      • Veterans' Affairs
      • Pensions
  • Number and relationship of people in the household
  • Proof of utility expenses and possibly rent or mortgage expense
  • Proof of immigration status for non-citizen applicants (immigration information is not required for household members who are not applying for SNAP)
  • Proof of child support payments you make if you want the amount you pay to be considered, such as:
    • Support order
    • Separation agreement
    • Child support records
  • Proof of child care expenses if you are working, looking for work, or in a training program
  • If you are age 60 or older or receive federal disability benefits, you can also show proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as:
    • Doctor or hospital bills
    • Prescription receipts
    • Receipts for over-the-counter medical expenses if prescribed by a medical practitioner
    • Transportation costs to get to medical care 

You can submit your completed and signed SNAP application form and required documents using any of the methods below. The quickest way to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits is online.

Online

Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App from anywhere and at any time to apply or recertify for SNAP benefits. You can submit documents using the Document Upload feature on the ACCESS HRA App.

By Mail

Mail your application to:

SNAP
Mail Application Referral Unit
P.O. Box 29197
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Mail your recertification to:

SNAP
Centralized Recertification Mail Unit
P.O. Box 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202-9816

By Fax

Fax your application form along with required documents to: 

  • 917-639-1111 – New application
  • 917-639-2544 – Recertification 

If you need to submit documents after you already submitted your application form, fax the documents to 917-639-2544.

In Person

Bring your application form along with required documents to any SNAP Center.  All SNAP Centers are accessible for people who use wheelchairs. Find a SNAP Center near you.

You can get help filing your SNAP application and submitting your required documents by visiting a SNAP Center or a participating Community Based Organization (CBO). 

SNAP Center

Find a SNAP Center near you.

All SNAP Centers are accessible for people who use wheelchairs.

Community Based Organization (CBO)

Community Based Organizations can help you complete SNAP applications and screen you for eligibility. Some locations can also help you submit your documents to HRA electronically. 

You can get more information by contacting a Community Based Organization listed below. The hours of operation for these sites may change.

Find a Food Stamp Center/Community Based Organization where you can schedule an in-person appointment.

All Boroughs

Hunger Free America
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Assistance available over the phone.

  • (646) 865-0769 or (646) 627-7630 (English, Spanish)
  • (646) 935-3513 (English, Chinese)
  • (332) 600-5415 (English, Russian)

Food Bank for New York City - SNAP Call Center
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4:30 PM
(212) 894-8060 (English, Spanish, Chinese)

Met Council
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
(212) 453-9532 (English, Spanish); (917) 280-5694 (English, Bengali)

Mobilization for Justice - Government Benefits Project
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday and Wednesday, 10 AM - 12 PM; Friday, 1 PM - 3 PM
(212) 417-3732

Bronx

Catholic Charities Bronx Center 
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
(718) 292-9090 (English, Spanish)

Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway - Community Services Center
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(212) 453-9532 (English, Spanish)

Met Council
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
(212) 453-9532 (English, Spanish); or (917) 280-5694 (English, Bengali)

Montefiore Sound Shore Medical Center - WIC Program
Assistance available over the phone.
Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
(212) 453-9532 (English, Spanish)

The HopeLine Resource Center for Community Development
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday - Wednesday: 9 AM - 3 PM
(718) 402-1212

West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center 
Assistance available over the phone. In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday and Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(212) 453-9532 (English, Spanish)

Brooklyn

Affinity Health Plan Boro Park
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM (Assistance available over the phone);
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM (In-person appointments and walk-ins available)
(646) 352-1800 (English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Taishanese) 

Arab American Family Support Center
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM (In-person services available by appointment only)
(718) 643-8000

Bed-Stuy WIC Center
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday and Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(347) 880-2922 (English); (212) 453-9532 Spanish)

Council of People Organization (COPO)
Assistance available in person and over the phone.
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 4 PM
(718) 434-3266

Crown Heights JCC
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
(718) 778-8808 (English, Hebrew, Russian, Yiddish)

Jewish Community Council of Marine Park (JCC Marine Park)
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(347) 880-2922 (English)

Kings Bay Y
Assistance available over the phone.
Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
(646) 648-0506 (English, Russian)

Met Council Chesed Center
In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
(718) 608-7065 (English, Russian, Ukrainian)

RiseBoro Community Partnership (formerly RBSCC)
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM (in person)
Tuesday and Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM ( by phone)
(718) 366-1830

Shorefront Jewish Community Council (Shorefront JCC)
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday 9 AM - 2 PM
(718) 743-0575 ext. 7501 (English, Russian)

The Campaign Against Hunger
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Saturday 12 PM - 4:30 PM
(718) 773-3551 ext. 112 (English, Spanish, Creole)

United Jewish Organization of Williamsburg (UJO)
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 5 PM
(718) 643-9700 (English, Yiddish)

Manhattan

Tzu Chi Foundation - Manhattan
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Tuesday: 10 AM - 2 PM
(212) 965-1151

Queens

Affinity Health Plan Flushing
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday and Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM; Friday: 9 AM - 2 PM
(646) 352-1800 (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Taishanese)

Jewish Community Council of Far Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP)
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(718) 327-7755 (English); (646) 648-0506 (English, Russian)

Queens Jewish Community Council (Queens JCC)
Assistance available over the phone. In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday and Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(718) 544-9033 (English); (646) 648-0506 (English, Russian)  

Tzu Chi Foundation - Flushing
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday and Wednesday: 10 AM - 2 PM
(718) 888-0866

Staten Island

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI)
Assistance available over the phone; In-person services available by appointment only.
Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(718) 808-1800

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Plan
Assistance available over the phone.
Monday and Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
(646) 952-1392 or (212) 453-9532 (English, Spanish)

If you submit a new application or a recertification for SNAP benefits, you must have an eligibility interview.

You can have your eligibility interview over the telephone or, if needed, in person.

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Division: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Interview Phone Line
  • Phone Number: (718) 762-7669
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

In Person

You can go to any SNAP Center and tell them that you need an in-person interview. Find a SNAP Center near you.

Standard Processing

To help process your application faster, please submit as many documents proving your eligibility with your application or as soon as you can.  The Human Resources Administration (HRA) will review your application and the documents you sent when they are received, and may call you for an eligibility interview over the phone.

If you are eligible for SNAP, you will receive them within 30 days. In some cases, you can get benefits sooner.

Expedited Processing 

Expedited processing allows eligible people to get SNAP benefits within 5 days. If you qualify, you will get an interview within 2 days.

You may be eligible if one of the following apply:

  • You are eligible for SNAP, your household has less than $100 in cash or other available resources, and you will have less than $150 in gross income (before taxes) during the month that you apply.
  • Your combined income and available resources in the month that you apply are less than the total of your rent or mortgage plus heat, utilities, and phone bills.
  • At least one person in the household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker who has less than $100 in cash or other available resources.

Receiving an EBT Card

Applicants who have been approved for SNAP benefits will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail.

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, defective, or never received, you can request a permanent EBT card online or by phone. You can also pick up a temporary EBT card at your nearest Benefits Access Center (formerly known as Job Center).

If you make your request online or by phone, it will take from 7 to 10 business days for your permanent EBT card to arrive. Permanent EBT cards can only be mailed to the address on record.

For more information, visit the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Assistance for Clients page.

Applicants and participants can find out their SNAP case status online or by phone.

Online

Create or log into your account on the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Automated Assistance is available in multiple languages 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

SNAP Periodic Report

If you receive a SNAP Periodic Report, you must submit your Periodic Report or your benefits will stop and your case will close. You can also use the Periodic Report to tell HRA if your address has changed. 

You can submit your Periodic Report:

Online

Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

By Mail

SNAP
Centralized Recertification Mail Unit
P.O. Box 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202-9816

In Person

You can visit any SNAP center. Find a SNAP Center near you.

Reporting Changes on a Current SNAP Case

If you receive SNAP benefits and have lost your job or had a change in your income, please submit a Case Change request using the ACCESS HRA website. You do not need to submit a new application or visit an office. You will need to submit documents to prove the change you report, which you can do using the Document Upload feature on the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

If, however, you are due to recertify your SNAP benefits in the next 75 days, you must report the change as part of your recertification.  You will be prevented from submitting a Case Change on the ACCESS HRA website during this period.

Learn about the documents you can use and the ways to submit them.

Keep Your Information Up-to-Date

It's very important that HRA has your current contact information. The quickest way to view your case information and update or correct it is by using the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app.

You can also submit updates:

Online

Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

By Fax

(917) 639-2544

By Mail

SNAP
Centralized Recertification Mail Unit
P.O. Box 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202-9816

In Person

You can visit any SNAP center. Find a SNAP Center near you.

Seniors

If you are 60 or older, you can get help applying for SNAP by phone.

You must:

  • Be a resident of New York City
  • Not already be enrolled in SNAP

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for assistance by phone.

People with Disabilities

If you have a disability, medical condition, or mental health condition that makes it hard for you to apply for or get SNAP benefits, you can request a reasonable accommodation.

Some examples of reasonable accommodations are:

  • Flexible scheduling to avoid rush hour travel
  • Priority appointments to minimize wait time at HRA offices
  • Sign language interpreters
  • Home visits
  • Assistance reading and completing forms and notices

By Email

ConstituentAffairs@dss.nyc.gov

By Fax

(212) 331-4685

By Mail

Office of Constituent Services
150 Greenwich Street, 35th Floor
New York, NY 10007

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Automated Assistance is available in multiple languages 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

SNAP Benefits Effective October 2022

A federal increase to the maximum SNAP benefit amount went into effect for all households that receive SNAP benefits on October 1, 2022.

You do not need to submit an application or request this increased amount. Your budget was automatically recalculated and a higher amount will automatically be added to your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. If you have income in your household, you may get less than the maximum. 

The maximum SNAP benefit amount per household size is as follows:

Household SizeMaximum SNAP Amount
1$281
2$516
3$740
4$939
5$1,116
6$1,339
7$1,480
8$1,691
 Each additional member + $211

 

The minimum monthly SNAP benefit amount for eligible one- and two-person households is $23.

Benefit Schedules

The day your benefits are available to you is known as your benefit schedule.  This day may change from month to month and from year to year.

You can check your current schedule by phone. You will need to provide your 19-digit card number.

  • Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
  • Division: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Customer Service
  • Phone Number: (888) 328-6399
  • Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Staff is available at all times through the automated phone system.

SNAP benefits can be used to buy:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Breads and cereals
  • Seeds and plants, which provide food for the household to eat
  • Seeds and plants, which provide spices for use in cooking
  • Baby formula
  • Water and ice labeled for human consumption
  • Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

  • Prepared hot foods in grocery stores or any prepared food (hot or cold) meant to be eaten at the store
  • Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or tobacco
  • Cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, or cooking utensils
  • Pet supplies
  • Items for food preservation such as canning jars or lids, freezer containers, or food wrapping paper
  • Medicines, vitamins, or minerals
  • Items for gardening, such as fertilizer or peat moss

Complaints 

You can make a complaint to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) about a retailer that doesn’t allow you to make an eligible purchase. You must provide the name and location of the retailer.

Online

Submit a complaint on the USDA website.

By Mail

Department of Agriculture 
Office of Inspector General
P.O. Box 23399 
Washington, DC 20026-3399

Online Purchasing

SNAP households with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards can use their benefits to purchase eligible food items online.

SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for service or delivery charges.  

Find participating stores and get more information about the SNAP online purchasing pilot.

Read the USDA press release about the SNAP online purchasing pilot.

You can make a complaint about SNAP, including:

  • Delays
  • Expired SNAP benefits
  • Staff behavior at a SNAP Center
  • How your case is handled
  • Stores that set a minimum purchase amount to use SNAP benefits

Online

Fill out a complaint form online.

By Phone

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Automated Assistance is available in multiple languages 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

Be aware of a scam using texting to obtain your personal information.  The text might say you were chosen to receive food stamps or SNAP.  

Never share personal information with individuals or organizations that you do not know. Personal information includes your social security number, bank information, or SNAP electronic benefits transfer card or PIN number. If you think the text is a scam, do not reply at all.  Just delete the message.

If you gave your personal information using the link in the text, you should file an Identity Theft report.

If you are a New York City resident and do not know if a request for information about SNAP is real or not, contact HRA by phone.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Automated Assistance is available in multiple languages 24 hours, 7 days a week. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours, except on City Holidays. Most languages are available through a staff person.

  Was this information helpful?   Yes    No

Follow NYC311

Download the NYC311 Mobile App

About NYC311 Send Feedback NYC311 Privacy Policy