Food Stamp Guidelines for New York
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps, to each state for disbursement to qualifying low-income individuals. In New York, the state's Department of Social Services oversees the program. You may apply for SNAP at your local Department of Social Services office.
Income Limits
You must be under specific income limits to qualify for food stamps. If you do not have an elderly individual or dependent child in your household, the monthly income limit for a household size of one is $1,174; for two is $1,579; for three is $1,984; for four is $2,389; and add $406 for each additional household member. If at least one member of the household is elderly or a dependent child, the income limit for a household size of one is $1,805; for two is $2,428, for three is $3,052; for four is $3,675; and for each additional household member add $623.
Resources
You may be required to meet specific resource limits to qualify for food stamps. Resources include cash on hand, bank accounts, IRAs, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies with a cash value, vehicles (one is excluded), house (one is excluded), rental property and land. These resources limits are $2,000 if the household did not have an elderly member and $3,000 if the household had an elderly member. Contact your local Department of Social Services to determine whether or not you must meet the resource limit to qualify for food stamps.
Residency & Citizenship
You must be a United States citizen or qualifying alien and a resident of the state of New York to obtain food stamps through the New York Department of Social Services.
Transitional Benefits
You may be able to continue receiving food stamps if you were recently a recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or other cash assistance, even if you exceed income guidelines, under the transitional benefits program. Contact your local Department of Social Services office to determine your eligibility for this exemption.
