New York Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eligibility Information

In New York, able-bodied students who are between ages 18 and 49 and enrolled at least half-time at an institute of higher education* are eligible for SNAP if you have a qualifying household income and meet one of the following criteria:

You are:

• Enrolled at least half-time in a career or technical education program offered at a SUNY, CUNY, comprehensive, technical, or community college
• Attending any of the 10 Educational Opportunity Centers in New York State and enrolled at least half-time in a career and technical education program, remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language
• Receiving benefits from Family Assistance (FA) or Safety Net Assistance (SNA)
• Participating in a state or federal work study program
• Working an average of 20 paid hours per week
• Caring for a dependent child under the age of 6
• Caring for a dependent child between ages 5 and 12 and do not have adequate child care that would enable you to attend school while working 20 hours per week or participating in a work study program
• A single parent, enrolled full time with a dependent child under the age of 12
• Are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
  • a program under the Work Force Investment Act,
  • a program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974,
  • an employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act, or
  • an employment and training program operated by a State or local government.
• Receiving unemployment benefits (UIB)

*If you are not considered a student by SNAP’s standards and have a qualifying household income, you may still be eligible for benefits.

How Do I Apply?

• Apply either:
  • Online at myBenefits.ny.gov. New York City residents should apply through the ACCESS HRA portal.
  • In person at your local department of social services (NYS) or SNAP Center (NYC).
• Complete the application process by attending an interview and submitting your verification documents.
• If you are approved, you should receive your EBT card within 30 days of submitting your application. If your situation is urgent you may receive an expedited review and get your EBT card within 5 days of applying.

Where/How to Use

• You can use your EBT Card to buy groceries and seeds or plants that produce food.
• You can use your EBT Card to purchase food at any grocery store or farmers market that accepts SNAP. Use the map on the FreshEBT app to find grocery stores and farmers’ markets near you.

SNAP Application Assistance

Call the New York State SNAP hotline at (800) 342-3009.

SNAP Outreach Providers offer confidential application assistance. Use this map to find one in your area.

This page was last updated on November 13, 2020.