How to Apply for Food Stamps in New York

Many in New York may qualify for Food Stamps or SNAP benefits, even if they work.  When your gross income is at or below 135% of the US Federal Poverty Guideline you may qualify for help.  Many families have financial difficulties, especially, since the recession of 2008.  More people than ever are seeking assistance.

Many have lost jobs or have had their hours cut significantly.  Things have improved,  but there are still many had to settle for low-wage jobs.  Congress refuses to mandate an increase in the minimum wage. Americans working two jobs are now the norm.  Almost 50% of Americans work 40 hours a week or more but still live in poverty

Are You Eligible for Food Stamps | SNAP Benefits?

Food Stamp benefits are approved based on your gross family income.  You can determine if you are eligible for assistance by going online and entering the number of people living in your home and their total income.

If you have a financial emergency you can apply for expedited food assistance at any Food Stamp office.  If the DSS office has a food pantry on location, you can also receive groceries.

Ask to make an appointment to get additional food at your local food bank. You can also download an application and mail or fax it to your Food Stamp Office if you are not in an emergency situation.

You qualify for ampFood Stamps if you or someone in your household currently receive:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Heating Assistance LHEAP
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)

How to Apply For SNAP Benefits

Food Stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAPS), gives low-income families purchase groceries. Since the financial recession in the U.S. in 2008, more people are getting government assistance and food stamps. If you need help, do not be ashamed to get it.  This support is available for anyone who meets the financial criteria.

If you are receiving help from any of the government agencies, you may be eligible for food stamp benefits.  You can now apply for help, online.  If you do not have a computer, you can go to your public library and apply to one of their computers.

To apply online go to The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, find your city, and download an application.  How to Apply Online and check eligibility – Go to the website ACCESS NYC.

Can you Own Property to Receive SNAP Benefits in New York?

In New York,  you will not be disqualified from receiving food benefits if you own personal real estate, a car, or property.  You are not disqualified from receiving food assistance if you have a job, as long as your gross family income is at or below federal poverty guidelines.

You are also allowed to have $2,000 of income in a bank and $3,000 if an elderly or disabled person lives in your home. Income requirements require you to be less than 130 percent of the Federal guide for poverty. Often these restrictions are review and changed according to the cost of living and other factors.

If you are Rejected

If you do not qualify for assistance, there are other assistance programs that help pay bills, provide food, clothing, furniture, and other benefits.  These agencies provide help based on family income as they also network with government and community agencies.

• Churches
• Food Banks
• Religious organizations

Food Banks

What to do if you have been denied SNAP benefits.  If you are looking for food to help feed your family, consider a community food bank.  A neighborhood food bank or food pantries is not the same as going shopping for groceries, but it can make a difference between eating and going hungry.

These food charities support families, who could not make it without this help.  These food banks, give away groceries, and household items such as soap, toilet paper, detergent, toothpaste, etc.  It is heartbreaking to tell you, children, there is nothing to eat. It is hard to believe that many children in the United States go to bed hungry.