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SNAP can help you buy food if you have a low income. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s sometimes called food stamps. In New York City, SNAP is handled by the Human Resources Administration (HRA).

Already get SNAP?

How It Works

Once you’re approved for SNAP, you’ll get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Each month, money is loaded on your EBT card, which works like a debit card. You can use it to shop for eligible groceries anywhere EBT is accepted. This includes many grocery stores, farmers markets, and other food retailers.

Learn more about using SNAP benefits.

Eligibility

SNAP eligibility is mostly based on household size and income. But there are other factors that may be considered, like your expenses. The only way to know if you are eligible is to apply.

You are not required to screen for eligibility before applying for SNAP. You can do a quick check using the simple eligibility tool on the  or using the .

You should know:

  • Getting other public benefits doesn’t disqualify you from receiving SNAP.
  • Immigration status information isn't required for household members who aren’t applying for SNAP.
  • if they meet certain requirements.
  • If you receive SSI/Disability, receiving SNAP doesn't reduce your payments.
  • To keep getting benefits, you may need to meet work requirements.

Steps to Apply

  1. Fill out an application. Answer questions about your household, income, and expenses. The fastest, easiest way is on the or the .
  2. Complete an interview by phone or in person. No appointment is needed. A SNAP eligibility worker will review your application with you to ensure that it’s ready for processing. They will also help you figure out which documents you need to provide.
  3. Submit required documents. You’ll find out during your interview which ones you need.
  4. Wait for a decision. This can take up to 30 days. You can check status on .

For a detailed step-by-step of the SNAP application process, go to the .

Ready to apply? The first step is to submit an application. The sooner you complete and submit your application, the sooner you may get benefits.

  • The fastest way to apply is online using .
  • Applications are available in many languages.
  • A simplified SNAP application form is available if no one in the household has earned income and all adults have a disability or are age 60 and older. 

Did you know? You can apply for multiple benefit programs at one time. If you’re also interested in receiving Cash Assistance or Medicaid in addition to SNAP, you can use one application for all three benefits on . Even if you’re denied for the other benefits, you won’t need to apply for SNAP again.

Apply Online

After you submit the application, upload your required documents using the .

Apply in Person

Go to any .

Apply by Mail or Fax

If you prefer to fill out a paper application, you can get it in three ways:

  1. .
  2. Pick up an application at any .
  3. Request an application by phone.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Division: DSS OneNumber
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Staff is available during business hours (except on City holidays). You can get help in most languages. The automated phone system is always available.

Mail Your Application

Mail the completed application and required documents to:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
P.O. Box 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202

Fax Your Application

Fax your completed application and required documents to (917) 639-1111.

If you’ve already sent your application, fax the required documents to (917) 639-2544.

After you submit your application, you must have an eligibility interview. You can do this by phone or at a SNAP center.

SNAP interviews take about 30 minutes. During the interview, a SNAP eligibility worker will review your application with you to ensure that it’s complete, correct, and ready for processing. They will also help you figure out which documents you need to provide.

No appointment is necessary. When you’re ready, just call or visit a SNAP center to have the interview.

By Phone

The fastest way to get your benefits is to call for your interview.

  • 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
  • Staff is available during business hours (except on City holidays). You can get help in most languages.

In Person

Go to any  and tell them you need an in-person interview.

To complete your application, you need to submit proof that you’re eligible for SNAP. The easiest way is to take photos of your documents and upload files using the .

You can do this at any time, but it’s best to wait until after your eligibility interview with HRA. Sometimes, HRA can check your information without needing documents. Your interviewer will help you figure out which documents you need to submit.

Eligibility Factor Document Examples
Identity
  • Driver license
  • Photo ID
Address
  • Lease
  • Utility bill
  • Rent receipt
  • Mortgage statement
Social Security
  • Social Security numbers for all applicants
  • Proof of application for a Social Security number
Income
  • Pay stubs
  • Employer wage statement
  • Government benefit letters
Expenses
  • Utility bills
  • Rent and mortgage
  • Child care or child support payments
  • Out-of-pocket medical expenses, if you're 60 or older or get federal disability benefits

To receive SNAP, you might need to work, volunteer, do job training, or participate in other activities.

There are two types of work requirements:

  1. General requirements apply if you’re age 16 to 59 and able to work.
  2. ABAWD requirements may also apply if you’re age 18 to 64 and don’t have dependents.

General Work Requirements

Most people ages 16 to 59 must meet general work requirements to keep their benefits.

You may be exempt if you're doing one of the following:

  • Working at least 30 hours per week or earning at least $217.50 per week
  • Studying at least half-time
  • Getting unemployment benefits
  • Participating in addiction treatment
  • Meeting TANF (Cash Assistance) work requirements
  • Getting SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Requirements

As of March 1, 2026, some SNAP recipients must comply with new ABAWD work requirements to keep their benefits.

Generally, you’re considered an ABAWD if you:

  • Are age 18 through 64, and
  • Don’t live with a child under 14, and
  • Don’t have a physical or mental barrier that prevents you from working

HRA will inform you if you or anyone in your household needs to meet SNAP work requirements.

You can submit proof that you meet the SNAP work requirements on the .

After your interview is finished and you’ve submitted your documents, HRA will start to process your application. It can take up to 30 days for HRA to review it and make a decision. If you're eligible for expedited processing, you will get the decision and benefits within seven days.

Getting a Decision

If your application is approved, HRA will mail you a letter to tell you. If you signed up for notifications, you will also get an email and text message.

You will be mailed an EBT card within five business days of when your application is approved. If you need it sooner, you can pick up a temporary EBT card at any . If you don’t get your EBT card, or if it was stolen or defective, you can get a new card. To learn what to do, visit the EBT Card Assistance page.

If your application is rejected, HRA will tell you why. You can reapply at any time. If your application wasn’t approved because you’re ineligible and your situation hasn’t changed, look into other food help programs.

If you think HRA’s decision was wrong, you can:

  • Visit a and request an informal conference
  • Request a Fair Hearing

Check Status

You can track your application and get notifications through the or the .

If you can’t use ACCESS HRA, you can call for status. 

Please note:

  • Processing only starts after you finish your interview and send all documents.
  • It can take up to 30 days to process your case (or seven days if you qualify for expedited benefits).

If it’s been less than 30 days since you applied, HRA’s phone line won’t have more information than you see on ACCESS HRA.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Division: DSS OneNumber
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • Staff is available during business hours (except on City holidays). You can get help in most languages. The automated phone system is always available.

Expedited Processing

If you’re eligible for expedited processing, you can get benefits within seven days.

One of the following must apply to you:

  • 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, or
  • 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, or
  • 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

How much you get in SNAP benefits is based on your household’s income, size, and expenses.

  • The highest possible SNAP payment is about $200-$300 per month per person in the household.
  • The minimum monthly SNAP benefit amount for eligible one- and two-person households is $24.

Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts

Household SizeMaximum SNAP Amount
1$298
2$546
3$785
4$994
5$1,183
6$1,421
7$1,571
8$1,789
Each additional member+ $218

General Questions

If you have more questions about SNAP and how to apply, check out these .

If you can’t find the answer to your question, contact the Human Resources Administration (HRA).

    • Agency: Human Resources Administration
    • Division: DSS OneNumber
    • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • Staff is available during business hours (except on City holidays). You can get help in most languages. The automated phone system is always available.

    Help to Apply

    Hunger Free 做厙TV

    The Hunger Free 做厙TV Benefits Access Call Center (BACC) can screen you for eligibility for SNAP and other benefits like Cash Assistance. They can also help you file an application.

    • Agency: Human Resources Administration
    • Division: Hunger Free 做厙TV Benefits Access Call Center
    • Phone Number: (646) 355-1475
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

    SNAP Centers

    SNAP centers offer walk-in customer service. All centers are accessible to people who use wheelchairs.

    Community Organizations

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

    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.

    Learn more on the Access City Agencies as a Person with a Disability page.

    Case-Specific Questions

    Online

    You can track applications, get case details, and learn about next steps you need to take through the  or the .

    By Phone

    • Agency: Human Resources Administration
    • Division: DSS OneNumber
    • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
    • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
    • Staff is available during business hours (except on City holidays). You can get help in most languages. The automated phone system is always available.

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