Help Getting SNAP

COVID-19 Emergency Allotment of SNAP Benefits – For the months of October and November 2021, both emergency allotments and the permanent SNAP increase will be in effect. Beginning in December, emergency allotments will no longer be issued (unless the public health emergency is extended), but the permanent SNAP increase will remain in effect.

SNAP Re-certification has RESUMED for all SNAP households beginning July 1, 2021. If you received re-certification notice by mail or an Access HRA alert, you must submit your re-certification.

SNAP Periodic Reporting and Case Change has RESUMED as of July 1, 2021. SNAP households are required to complete Periodic Report and Case changes in household circumstances consistent with SNAP reporting changes requirements.

COVID –19 SNAP Waivers Extended through December 31, 2021:

• Interview Waiver – Through December 31, 2021, the SNAP office is not required to interview a new or re-certifying household if the applicant’s identity has been verified and other mandatory information has been provided and validated.
• Telephonic Signature Waiver –The telephonic signature waiver that allows SNAP offices to adjust the requirements for recording a telephonic signature for SNAP applications filed over the telephone or submitted without a signature will continue through December 31, 2021.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Rule Suspended – Through September 30, 2022 NYS OTDA will continue to waive the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) three-month time limit rule in all New York State counties through September 30, 2022

SNAP Students – Students from the State University of New York (SUNY),the City University of New York (CUNY), and the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) are eligible for SNAP.

Changes to SNAP Student Eligibility – The Federal Emergency Relief Act has changed SNAP student eligibility in the following ways:

1. A student is eligible if they qualify to participate in state or federal work study, regardless of whether or not the student is actively employed or participating in work study.
2. Any student that has an “Expected Family Contribution” of $0 may qualify for SNAP benefits.