Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

EBT SCAM ALERT


The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is aware of increasing incidents of Temporary Assistance (TA) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit theft via EBT card skimming. 

View a video here on how to safeguard your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits.

Act Fast: Protect Your EBT Benefits Against Skimming Thieves:

Learn about scams targeted at Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders and how you can protect your benefits at this website:   OTDA EBT Scam Alert

The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps low-income households by supplementing their monthly food budget. Eligible households use an electronic benefit card and PIN (personal ID number) to access their benefits at the supermarket checkout counter, the same way a debit card is used. There are many supermarkets throughout the county where recipients can use their benefit card.

Updated Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Standards for October 2022
Beginning October 1, 2022, some items used to figure the amount of SNAP benefits a household gets will change. These changes are a result of federally required changes.  You can read about the details at these links.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Food Benefits 
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 authorized the payment of Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits to households with children who would have received free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Act, if not for a school closure.  These temporary food benefits are to help cover the cost of meals children would otherwise would have received at school.

OTDA has prepared a set of FAQs for SNAP households.  The FAQs may be accessed at this link: https://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19/Frequently-Asked-Questions-Pandemic-EBT.asp

Notice to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) & Temporary Assistance Households with Children Eligible for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Food Benefits : ( English / Spanish )

COVID-19 Emergency Allotments to SNAP Households – February Update

Emergency Allotments (EA) issued to all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households will end February 2023.  February 2023 is the last month that supplemental EA benefits will be issued, and your SNAP benefits will return to the normal amount in March 2023. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and your local social services district do not have control over this change. 

OTDA has prepared a set of FAQs for SNAP households.  The FAQs may be accessed at this link: Frequently Asked Questions for the Emergency Allotment of SNAP Benefits


How to Apply for SNAP

Nassau County residents can apply on the myBenefits website . Applicants may also mail in their applications which may be obtained by calling (516) 227-8523. Residents may also come in during regular business hours.

Income Guidelines

USDA SNAP Eligibility

Households containing an individual age 60 or over, or one who is permanently disabled, do not have to meet the gross monthly income test.

Expedited SNAP Benefits

If your household has little or no money and requires help right away, you may be able to receive "expedited" benefits to meet your food needs under SNAP. You must be interviewed first in order to determine eligibility. If you qualify, you will receive your initial benefit within five days of application. You will still have to complete the eligibility process and supply all necessary and requested documentation within 30 days.

Applying for or receiving SNAP benefits does not make you a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination. 

Applying for or receiving SNAP will not affect your ability to: 

• Remain in the U.S., 

• Get a Green Card/ Lawful Permanent Resident Status, 

• Keep a Green Card/ Lawful Permanent Resident Status, or 

• Become a U.S. citizen. 

Please see the SNAP public charge policy information, located on OTDA’s website at: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/qanda.asp#noncitizen or pdfs below.


Related Links:

US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service

New York State OTDA SNAP

Further Information:

Further information on eligibility for SNAP (food stamp) and other public assistance benefits can be accessed on the myBenefits website.

Nondiscrimination Statement (Aviso sobre Normas Antidiscriminatorias) 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at: (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  1. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  2. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

With respect to public accommodations, New York State additionally prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, transgender status, gender dysphoria, sexual orientation, marital status, and military status.