What You Need To Know
The food stamp program is labeled as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in New York. Its objective is to provide people with appropriate nutritional education. It has been administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This helps to safeguard their health as well. The benefits of the program are availed with the help of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card is similar to a debit card or credit card. This makes the process easier and simpler in many ways. An EBT account is set up for qualified individuals. The monthly benefits allow the person to purchase the approved goods from an authorized retail food store.
SNAP benefits allow the household to mainly purchase the following goods. However, it is not limited to them:
- Bread and cereals
- Seeds and plants that can help to grow food for the household
- Dairy Products
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meats, fish, and poultry
On the other hand, SNAP benefits cannot be used by the household to purchase:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
- Hot foods
- foods that will be eaten in the store
- Non-food items that include pet foods, soaps, and other household supplies or vitamins and medicines.
Are You Eligible?
There are certain program requirements of the SNAP Program. To qualify for it, you must, first and foremost, be a resident of the state of New York. Other bases for qualification include factors like
- Household size
- Income
- Assets
- Any other relevant information.
The household income and size are both considered together. This is because the annual income of the household must either be less than or equal to the following amounts. It is important to remember that the earning before any tax deductions is considered by the authorities.
| Size of The Household | Maximum Annual Income Level ($) |
| 1 | 16,237 |
| 2 | 21,983 |
| 3 | 27,729 |
| 4 | 33,475 |
| 5 | 39,221 |
| 6 | 44,967 |
| 7 | 50,713 |
| 8 | 56,459 |
Certain households have more than eight residents. For these households, an extra amount of $5,746 is added per person. It is important to keep in touch with the managing agency in your area. they will be able to provide you with the appropriate guidance required concerning this program. This contact would also ensure that the person follows the most accurate guidelines present.
It must be kept in mind that income is not the only determinant in ensuring qualification. Other factors are taken into account to decide the allocation of the SNAP budget. Therefore, if an individual believes that they are eligible for the program, they must apply. However, no surety is given at any step.
Moreover, to make the process easier for people, a pre-screening tool has been set up online. This tool helps to determine the eligibility of the person. It is not the final application but simply a way to check the potential of qualifying.
How To Apply
You can apply for the New York State SNAP through two methods. They have been set up to cater to a large number of audiences. This way, people can go ahead with the option that suits them the best.
The first method is through an online portal. Internet is easily available to all which makes it easy for people to access the information. They can visit the appropriate site where the application can be found. This method allows you to fill the application from the comfort of your home. Once the form is completed, it is reviewed by the SNAP office. They are the ones who set up and conduct interviews in order to determine the eligibility of the household.
The program has also made it possible for people to apply through mail, fax or in person. They can simply mail or fax the application to the local Department of Social Services or SNAP office. If it is possible for you, you can visit in person to submit your application as well. The benefits program allows for a great number of people to apply for it. This is because they cater to the diverse people of the state by releasing forms in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Korean and Russian.
The nearest SNAP office can be found through the help of the internet. You can easily contact or approach it as you see fit.
For Further Information
To clear out any confusion, SNAP has set up a website which can be visited. It has outlined the frequently asked questions and their answers. Information can also be acquired through the USDA SNAP hotline number. They will cater to any queries or issues that a person may have.
1-800-221-5689