Average Time of Transaction
Notice: To help stop the spread of COVID-19, many local department of social services and SNAP Centers locations are consolidating their hours until further notice. We are asking New Yorkers to do everything they can through myBenefits.ny.gov. Please call your local district or visit their website to check their operating hours.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.
What can I purchase with SNAP?
Food for your household to eat, such as:
- breads and cereals
- fruits and vegetables
- meats, fish and poultry
- dairy products
You can also purchase seeds and plants, which produce food for your household to eat.
What can’t I purchase with SNAP?
- beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
- any nonfood items, such as:
- pet food
- soap, paper products
- household supplies
- vitamins and medicine
- food that will be eaten in the store
- hot foods
How much could I receive in SNAP benefits each month?
Maximum SNAP Benefit Allowances
| Household Size | Maximum Allotment |
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $992 |
| 6 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $1,504 |
| For each additional member | $ 188 + |
* These figures are based upon SNAP Standards effective October 1, 2021.
Note: A SNAP budget must be calculated for your household in order to determine SNAP eligibility and benefit amount.
Who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits?
If your gross income, based on family size, is at or below the amounts in the following charts, you may be eligible for SNAP benefits. But, the only way to determine if your household is eligible for SNAP benefits is to apply.
Income Guidelines for Households without Earned Income (no elderly or disabled member)
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income* | Annual Gross Income* |
| 1 | $1,396 | $16,752 |
| 2 | $1,888 | $22,656 |
| 3 | $2,379 | $28,548 |
| 4 | $2,871 | $34,452 |
| 5 | $3,363 | $40,356 |
| 6 | $3,855 | $46,260 |
| 7 | $4,347 | $52,164 |
| 8 | $4,839 | $58,068 |
| Each additional person | $492 + | $5,904 + |
*Chart information is based upon SNAP Standards effective October 1, 2021.
Income Guidelines for Households with Earned Income (no elderly or disabled member)
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income* | Annual Gross Income* |
| 1 | $1,610 | $19,320 |
| 2 | $2,178 | $26,136 |
| 3 | $2,745 | $32,940 |
| 4 | $3,313 | $39,756 |
| 5 | $3,880 | $46,560 |
| 6 | $4,448 | $53,376 |
| 7 | $5,015 | $60,180 |
| 8 | $5,583 | $66,996 |
| Each additional person | $568 + | $6,816 + |
*Chart information is based upon SNAP Standards effective October 1, 2021.
Income Guidelines for Households with an Elderly or Disabled Member and Households with Dependent Care Expenses
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income* | Annual Gross Income* |
| 1 | $2,147 | $25,764 |
| 2 | $2,903 | $34,836 |
| 3 | $3,660 | $43,920 |
| 4 | $4,417 | $53,004 |
| 5 | $5,173 | $62,076 |
| 6 | $5,930 | $71,160 |
| 7 | $6,687 | $80,244 |
| 8 | $7,443 | $89,316 |
| Each additional person | $757 + | $9,084 + |
*Chart information is based upon SNAP Standards effective October 1, 2021.
What if I have savings?
Most households applying for SNAP no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get SNAP benefits. This means that the household's assets (stocks, savings and retirement accounts, etc.) are not considered when determining eligibility.
What if I don’t know what type of assistance I need?
Check your eligibility for a range of other benefits by answering a few simple questions at //mybenefits.ny.gov/
What do I do if I am no longer in need of SNAP benefits and want to close my SNAP case?
If you would like to close your SNAP case, you must contact your local Department of Social Services. Please note at this time you cannot request your case closed online.
What do I do if my financial circumstances change?
Changes in household circumstances which occur during the SNAP certification period may need to be reported depending on the reporting rules that apply to your household. Please refer to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Change Report Form for information about the change reporting rules that apply to your household or contact your local Department of Social Services if you have further questions.
Is it possible to get SNAP right away, or within a few days of applying?
If you have little or no money and need help right away, you may qualify for "expedited" SNAP. If you do, you must receive your initial SNAP benefit within five days. You will still have to complete the eligibility process, and supply all the required documentation at a later date.
Refer to this step-by-step process to apply for SNAP:
- Gather documents you will need
- Log on or register to create an account
- Answer a series of questions about your household
- Submit your application
Ready? Have with you:
- Recent pay stubs
- List of household resources
- Current rent/mortgage statement
- Current property tax bill
- Current homeowner’s insurance bill
- Social Security card