The Propel Guide To EBT In New York

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What to know about the New York food stamp program#what-to-know-about-the-new-york-food-stamp-program

SNAP, often referred to as food stamps, is a benefit program that helps low-income Americans supplement their grocery budget and afford food. It's administered by states, but it works basically the same way everywhere.

Once you apply and get approved for food stamps, you'll get an EBT card. It looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with your monthly food stamp benefits.

You can use your EBT card to buy eligible groceries at any stores that accept EBT.

New York’s EBT customer service number is 1-888-328-6399

How do I apply for food stamps in New York?#how-do-i-apply-for-food-stamps-in-new-york

The easiest way to apply for food stamps is online:

• In New York City, apply online at ACCESS HRA
• In all other New York counties, apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov

You can also apply for food stamps in person at a local office, or request a paper application be mailed to you. Learn if you’re eligible for food stamps here.

If you'd like assistance with your New York food stamp application, your local food bank can help.

How do I renew my food stamps in New York?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-new-york

You’ll have to renew your food stamps before your certification period (the amount of time you’ll get food stamps) ends. For most New York households, that period is 6 to 12 months. Confirm the length of your certification period with your caseworker.

You’ll get a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply for SNAP. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

You can renew your benefits online with a myBenefits account.

If you’d rather renew in person, call your caseworker, local office, or the New York SNAP hotline (1-800-342-3009) to find out how.

When will I get my food stamps in New York?#when-will-i-get-my-food-stamps-in-new-york

New York sends out benefits over the first 9 days of every month, based on the last digit of your case number.

For New York City cases, benefits are sent out over 13 days that are not Sundays or holidays, during the first two weeks of each month.

Check the full schedule to find out which day you’ll get your food stamp deposit in New York.

What household changes do I have to report and when?#what-household-changes-do-i-have-to-report-and-when

It's important to keep the state up to date if you experience any life changes that might affect your New York food stamp benefits. You should report:

• If anyone moves in or out of your household
• Financial changes like increased or decreased income, rent, savings, or child support
• Work changes (does your household include an adult who doesn’t have a disability or a child? Is this person required to work or train 20 hours per week? Then you should report if this person starts working or training less than the required amount)

Most New York households have to report all changes no more than 10 days after they happen, but some don’t.

Your caseworker can confirm which rules apply to your household. If you are moving, you should report your new address as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss any important letters.

You can report changes online with a myBenefits account.

How do I replace a lost or stolen EBT card in New York?#how-do-i-replace-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-new-york

If you can’t find your EBT card, call the New York EBT hotline as soon as you can: 1-888-328-6399.

My benefits were stolen off my EBT card, what can I do?#my-benefits-were-stolen-off-my-ebt-card-what-can-i-do

Call the New York EBT hotline number at 1-888-328-6399. Your state may require you to change your EBT PIN, report your card stolen, and/or request a new card.

If your benefits were stolen electronically (like through skimming or phishing) between October 2022 and December 20, 2024, you may be eligible to apply for EBT theft reimbursement.

What can I buy with EBT in New York?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-new-york

You can use food stamps to buy most kinds of groceries, including:

• Fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, dried, or canned
• Meat, eggs, and fish
• Grains like rice and pasta
• Snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, or pretzels
• Cold drinks like water and juice
• Frozen meals
• Peanut butter
• Seeds to grow your own edible plants

You can’t use food stamps to buy ineligible items like alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, live animals, prepared foods, or any non-food household items like diapers, wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, or cleaning products.

WIC food packages in New York typically include cereal, juice, eggs, milk, peanut butter, dried and canned beans, tofu, fruits and vegetables, and whole-wheat bread.

WIC packages also include canned fish and cheese for breastfeeding parents, and baby food for babies.

Which stores and restaurants take EBT food stamps in New York?#which-stores-and-restaurants-take-ebt-food-stamps-in-new-york

Download the Propel app to see nearby stores and farmer’s markets that take EBT. You don’t need an account to use the map, but if you link your EBT account, you'll also be able to check your balance, see upcoming deposits dates, and more.

New York also participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) which allows certain qualified applicants to use their EBT cards at restaurants and fast food chains in New York, including some Burger King and Popeye's locations.

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes, your EBT card can get you discounted or free admission to New York museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Once your child is born, your household size will increase. More household members means more food stamp benefits.

While you are pregnant, you can’t get more food stamps yet, but you can apply for WIC benefits in New York.

WIC provides food and resources for people who are pregnant, new parents, or caring for children up to 5 years old.

How to get more financial help in New York#how-to-get-more-financial-help-in-new-york

If you have a child who’s 18 or younger and you're struggling to afford essentials, you may qualify for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

TANF provides monthly cash assistance to help families with children get by during tough times, and unlike SNAP, it can be used for things like rent, childcare, and utilities.

Am I eligible for other benefits in New York?#am-i-eligible-for-other-benefits-in-new-york

You may be. Check out this benefit finder tool and find out.