Human Resources Administration311Search all NYC.gov websites
SNAP Benefits & Food Program
SNAP Benefits & Food Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as "food stamps") provides food assistance for nearly 1.8 million low-income New Yorkers including families, the elderly and the disabled. The program helps families and individuals supplement the cost of their diet with nutritious foods.
How to Apply
- You can apply online on ACCESS HRA. Read the user guide for ACCESS HRA.
- You can call our Infoline at 718-557-1399 to have an application mailed to you
- You can pick up an application at one of our SNAP centers
- You can print out an application and drop off at a SNAP center:
SNAP Benefits Application (LDSS-4826): How to Complete the SNAP Benefit Application (LDSS-4826A):
Eligibility Factors
Here is a list of documents you may need to determine your eligibility for SNAP (W-129G):
- View in Large Print:
- View Screen Reader version:
- Listen to Audio version:
Returning Documents
Need to return documents for your application? Here's a list of community partners who can help:
You can can also submit documents using the ACCESS HRA app.
SNAP On-Demand
Beginning March 1, 2018, NEW SNAP clients no longer have to wait for DSS/HRA to call them at a scheduled time to complete their interview. After they submit their application, clients can now call DSS/HRA at 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) anytime between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, for an "on-demand" interview, which will reduce the uncertainty of applying for SNAP and give clients more flexibility. On-demand interviews are now available for all SNAP clients citywide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some SNAP Frequently Asked Questions.
Recertification
Instructions for recertifying for SNAP via phone (BRC-901D):
- View in Large Print:
- View Screen Reader version:
- Listen to Audio version:
Recertifying for SNAP via IVRS (BRC-901C):
Foodhelp.nyc
Have you seen our ads for Foodhelp.nyc? Help us promote our campaign.
Visit our Food Assistance map for locations of food pantries and community kitchens in the five boroughs.
Forms and Brochures
Need a Client Consent Form for DSS Case Inquiries?
SNAP Need to Know Brochure (BRC-100):
- View Large Print version:
- View Screen Reader version:
- Listen to Audio version:
Emergency Food Assistance
For information about emergency food program locations and hours of operation please call the Emergency FoodLine at 866-888-8777. This is an automated hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Visit Foodhelp.nyc for a map of food assistance locations.
Want to work with HRA to provide food assistance? Find information on becoming a food provider.
Expedited 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 that 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 his/her cash and bank accounts are not more than $100.
For more information call HRA's Infoline at 718-557-1399.
Health Bucks
Health Bucks is a seasonal program that allows SNAP recipients to earn $2 coupons for every $5 spent on their EBT cards at farmer's markets. Learn more about the program, which is run jointly with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.