For New Yorkers feeling the impact of the rising cost of groceries and other essential expenses, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can provide important help putting food on the table.
SNAP provides eligible individuals and families with monthly benefits that can be used to purchase groceries at supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers markets and other participating retailers.
SNAP is one of the most widely used public benefits programs in New York. Approximately 3 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits each month, illustrating the important role the program plays for households across the state. The need is particularly significant in New York City, where approximately 1.8 million residents — more than one in five New Yorkers — receive SNAP benefits, according to New York City data.
For New Yorkers struggling to keep up with the rising cost of groceries and everyday essentials, SNAP can be more than food assistance — it can be a lifeline. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, stretch limited dollars a little further, and make sure that choosing between groceries and other basic needs doesn’t have to be a daily reality.
But many people who may qualify for SNAP are unsure whether they are eligible, particularly as federal requirements and eligibility rules change. Catholic Charities of New York helps individuals and families understand available benefits, determine what assistance they may qualify for and navigate the application process.
What Is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps eligible low-income individuals and families purchase food.
Benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works similarly to a debit card. SNAP can generally be used to purchase fruits and vegetables, lean protein, dairy products, bread and cereals, and other grocery items from participating retailers.
For households already stretching limited income across rent, utilities and other necessities, that assistance can make a meaningful difference.
Who Is Eligible for SNAP in New York?
SNAP eligibility depends on several factors, including household size, income, expenses and individual circumstances.
Because every household is different, there is no single income amount that determines whether everyone qualifies. Eligibility may also be affected by factors such as age, disability, employment status and certain household expenses.
Importantly, you can still qualify for SNAP if you are working. Receiving Social Security or other forms of assistance also does not necessarily make someone ineligible.
Certain housing, utility, dependent-care and medical expenses may also be considered when determining eligibility and the amount of benefits a household receives. Because the rules can be complicated, New Yorkers should not assume they are ineligible based on income alone.
SNAP Requirements Have Changed
Recent federal changes to SNAP have expanded work requirements for some adults and changed who may qualify for exemptions. As these requirements are implemented in New York, some SNAP recipients may need to take additional steps to maintain their benefits.
Under the new rules, certain adults ages 18 through 64 may be required to work, volunteer, participate in an approved employment or training program, or combine qualifying activities for at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving SNAP beyond a limited period.
The changes also affect some groups that previously qualified for exemptions. Parents and other adults responsible for children age 14 or older may now be subject to the work requirement, depending on their circumstances. Certain exemptions previously available to veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults who were formerly in foster care have also changed.
Other exemptions remain available. For example, work requirements generally do not apply to people who are unable to work because of a physical or mental limitation, pregnant individuals, or adults responsible for a child under age 14. Individual circumstances can affect whether the requirements apply.
For New Yorkers who already receive SNAP, it is especially important to read notices regarding your benefits, respond to requests for information and complete recertification requirements on time.
A change in the rules does not necessarily mean that you will lose your SNAP benefits. If you receive a notice that you do not understand or are uncertain about how the new requirements affect your household, assistance may be available.
Call the Catholic Charities Helpline at 1-888-744-7900.
How Do I Apply for SNAP in New York?
New Yorkers can apply for SNAP through the agency responsible for administering benefits where they live.
The application generally asks for information about your household, including income, housing costs and other expenses. Applicants may also need to provide documents verifying some of this information. After an application is submitted, the administering agency reviews the household’s circumstances to determine eligibility and the amount of assistance available.
If you have difficulty completing an application or understanding what documents you need, you do not have to navigate the process alone. You can speak with a trained Catholic Charities specialist who can help assess your situation and connect you with available services and resources.
Call the Catholic Charities Helpline at 1-888-744-7900.
What If I Already Receive SNAP?
SNAP recipients generally need to periodically recertify their eligibility.
That process may require updated information about household income, employment, expenses and who lives in the household. Changes in circumstances may also need to be reported.
Missing required paperwork, interviews or deadlines can potentially interrupt benefits, even when a household remains eligible.
If you receive SNAP, pay close attention to notices regarding your case and keep your contact information current so that important correspondence reaches you. This is particularly important as changes to SNAP requirements are implemented.
How Catholic Charities of New York Can Help
Understanding public benefits can be difficult, especially when eligibility rules or requirements change.
Depending on your needs and eligibility, assistance may include help understanding or applying for SNAP and other public benefits, food assistance through Catholic Charities food pantries and community programs, and connections to housing and other support services.
Even if you are unsure whether you qualify for SNAP, reaching out can be an important first step. You can speak with a trained specialist who can help assess your situation and connect you with available services and resources.
Call the Catholic Charities Helpline at 1-888-744-7900.
