SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / food stamps)
In short
Monthly food money on an EBT card. Low-income households incl. workers, seniors, people with disabilities.
Why it matters
Biggest food program. New 2026 work rules and immigrant limits mean many clients need help to apply and to keep benefits.
- What you get
- Monthly food money on an EBT card. FY2026 (Oct 2025-Sep 2026) max allotment $298 for 1 person, about $994 for 4; minimum $24.
- Who qualifies
- Low-income households incl. workers, seniors, people with disabilities. Most NY households use broad-based categorical eligibility (no asset test). ABAWD work rules apply to ages 18-64 without a child under 14 (see separate entry).
- Income limit (2026)
- FY2026 (eff. 10/1/2025, OTDA GIS 25DC059): 130% FPL gross = $1,696/mo for 1; 200% FPL = $2,608/mo for 1, $5,358 for 4 (used for households with elderly/disabled member or dependent-care costs; 150% for some earned-income households). Net limit 100% FPL ($1,305 for 1). New FY2027 standards took effect 10/1/2026 - figures not verified.
- Papers to gather
- ID, proof of address, SSN (or proof applied), income for last 30 days (pay stubs, award letters), rent/mortgage, utility bills, child/dependent care costs, medical costs (60+/disabled), immigration documents for applying noncitizens.
- Renewal
- Recertify usually every 6 or 12 months (24-36 months for elderly/disabled households); periodic report at midpoint. Renew in ACCESS HRA / myBenefits.
- 2026 update
- Changed. H.R.1 (July 2025): expanded ABAWD rules, immigrant limits (NY effective April 2026), internet costs no longer deductible, Heat & Eat (HEAP-linked SUA) limited to elderly/disabled households, state admin share up to 75% from Oct 2026, state benefit cost share (NY error rate 13.18% FY2025 -> up to 15%) from Oct 2027 - NY delegation seeking delay. Nov 2025 federal shutdown: USDA withheld November benefits; NY declared emergency, put $65M into food banks and on 11/7/2025 directed full November benefits; restored after shutdown ended.
Some details here could not be confirmed yet. We check every rule with the agency before you apply.
More in this category
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