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