The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as “Food Stamps”) provides food assistance to nearly 1.8 million low-income New Yorkers, including families, seniors, and people with disabilities. the program helps families and individuals supplement the cost of their diet with nutritious foods.
all cash and supplement assistance applicants who have been approved for benefits will receive an ebt card in the mail. If your ebt card hasn’t arrived yet, you can go to the brooklyn otc site to get your permanent card, or one of the seven open centers to get a temporary card that will have all the benefits available until the ebt card arrives. check out this list of locations.
Regarding case inquiries, the HRA requires submitting a client consent form to verify a client’s consent before disclosing case information to a third party.
Please note that unscrupulous individuals may use COVID-19 as an opportunity to create a scam to steal your personal information. learn more about this potential fraud scam alert and other ebt scam alerts.
view the brochure protect your benefits: browse (fly-1095) at:
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- اردو | polski
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how to apply
- You can apply online at access hra. read the user guide to access hra.
- you can call our information line at 718-557-1399 to have an application mailed to you
- you can pick up an application at one of our snap centers
- snap applicants can fax an application to maru at 917-639-1111.
- you can also print an application and drop it off at a snap center: snap application for benefits (ldss-4826):
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- العربية |中文
- kreyòl ayisyen
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Simplified Application/Recertification Form Now Available for Seniors and New Yorkers with Disabilities (ldss-5166):
A simplified application/recertification form is now available for households where everyone is age 60 or older, or has a disability, and no one in the household has earned income. You can download the simplified form below or request an application/recertification kit be mailed to you by calling the information line at 718-557-1399.
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eligibility factors
here is a list of documents you may need to determine your eligibility for snap (w-129g):
- see in large print:
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community based organization (cbo) locations to return documents
Do you need to return documents for your application? here is a list of community partners that can help:
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- اردو | polski
- français
You can also submit documents using the access hra app.
what you need to know brochure (brc-100)
Looking for a helpful overview of the fast application process?
see the interactive version:
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see large print version:
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- Spanish
view screen reader version:
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- Spanish
Listen to the audio version:
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- Spanish
suny/cuny/eoc verification form
view the suny/cuny/eoc student enrollment verification form (ldss-5172) at:
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- kreyòl ayisyen
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recertification
instructions for snap recertification by phone (brc-901e):
see in:
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- Spanish
recertification for snap through ivrs (brc-1051):
see in:
- English
ask frequently asked questions
Still have questions? see our FAQ plugin.
adjust on demand
once you submit your instant online application or recertification, call 718-snap-now (718-762-7669) anytimebetween 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday, Monday through Friday to complete your interview. remember to upload your documents using the access hra app.
buy groceries online with your instant benefits
Did you know you can now use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to shop for produce and groceries online? learn more.
accelerated benefits
You may be able to get expedited processing if:
- your household has less than $100 in cash or other available resources and will have less than $150 overall during the month you apply, or
- your combined income and available resources in the month of application are less than the sum of your rent or mortgage plus heat, utilities and phone, or
- at least one person in the household is a destitute migrant or seasonal farm worker and their cash and bank accounts they are no more than $100.
For more information, call the hra information line at 718-557-1399.
emergency food assistance
For information on emergency food program locations and hours of operation, call the emergency food line at 866-888-8777. this is an automated hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
See our Food Assistance Locator for a map of Food Assistance locations.
Do you want to work with HRA to provide food assistance? Find information on how to become a caterer.
instant expanded eligibility for college students during the covid-19 emergency
During the covid-19 emergency, there are new rules for the snap program that will allow more college students to get benefits.
- If you are a student eligible to participate in a state or federal work-study program, you may now also be eligible for the supplement, even if you are not currently employed in work-study.
- if your “expected family contribution” (efc*) is $0 and you meet other eligibility requirements for the supplement, you are eligible for the supplement.
*Your EFC is found on your student aid report and is calculated based on information provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
These new instant eligibility rules will last until one month after the COVID-19 public health emergency is officially lifted. If you are able to get benefits under these new rules, your benefits will last until your next recertification, even if the public health emergency ends first.
money in health
health bucks is a seasonal program that allows supplement recipients to earn $2 coupons for every $5 spent on their ebt cards at farmers markets. Learn more about the program, which is run in conjunction with the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene.
read the instant non-discrimination statement.
emergency broadband benefit
If you receive instant or cash assistance, you may qualify for a $50 per month discount on your mobile or fixed broadband internet service, along with a one-time $100 discount toward the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer . To apply, visit getemergencybroadband.org.
Please refer to the Emergency Broadband Benefits Booklet for additional information.