New York SNAP Eligibility 2025: Income Limits, Benefits & How to Apply

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase nutritious food, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote access to healthy meals. Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as the New York EBT Card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

This guide outlines the 2025 eligibility criteria, income limits, benefit amounts, and application process for New York SNAP, based on federal and New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) guidelines.

Use the SNAP Eligibility Screening Tool on the New York OTDA myBenefits portal to estimate your benefits, assuming you meet New York’s eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for New York SNAP Benefits

To qualify for SNAP in New York, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Income: Household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines or meet categorical eligibility through programs like Temporary Assistance (TA, New York’s TANF equivalent) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Household Size: Determined by individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident (e.g., lawful permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, asylees, or children under 18).
• Residency: Must reside in New York.
• Work Requirements: Certain adults (able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs) must meet work obligations unless exempt.
• Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits due to New York’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Households with elderly or disabled members exceeding specific income thresholds may face asset limits.

Households receiving TA, SSI, or other means-tested benefits are often categorically eligible, meaning they automatically qualify for SNAP without meeting standard income or asset tests, provided their net income is low enough. Contact the New York OTDA at (800) 342-3009 for detailed guidance.

New York SNAP Income Guidelines (2025)

Eligibility is based on gross income (pre-tax) and net income (after allowable deductions). The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), are as follows:

Gross Income Limit (200% of Federal Poverty Level)

New York uses a higher gross income limit (200% FPL) for most households due to BBCE, making it easier to qualify:

Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)

Households where all members are 60+ or disabled qualify under these limits if exceeding the 200% FPL:

Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)

Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:

Note: Households receiving TA or SSI are categorically eligible and may not need to meet these income limits, but their net income must be low enough to receive benefits.

Income Sources

Countable income includes:

• Earned: Wages, self-employment earnings (before taxes, with allowable business expenses deducted).
• Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.

Exempt income may include certain educational grants or loans used for tuition and fees.

Asset Rules for New York SNAP

Due to New York’s adoption of broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), most households are not subject to asset limits. For households with elderly (60+) or disabled members exceeding the 200% FPL gross income limit, the asset cap is $4,500. Countable assets include:

• Liquid resources (e.g., cash, bank accounts)
• Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
• Stocks, bonds, money market funds

Non-Countable Assets:

• Primary home
• Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
• Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401k plans)
• Vehicles (New York excludes all vehicles used for household transportation)

Households that are categorically eligible (e.g., receiving TA or SSI) are exempt from asset limits.

Defining a SNAP Household

A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:

• Spouses
• Children under 22 living with parents
• Individuals living together but purchasing and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households.

Disabled or elderly individuals (60+) unable to prepare meals due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the FPL (e.g., $2,375/month for one person).

Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:

• Work at least 20 hours per week, or
• Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., New York’s SNAP Employment and Training Program).

Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period. Exemptions include:

• Under 18 or over 52
• Pregnant
• Caring for a dependent child
• Physically or mentally unable to work
• Receiving disability-related benefits (e.g., SSI, Social Security disability)

All non-exempt adults aged 16–59 must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter.

Deductions to Improve Eligibility

Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:

• Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $291 (6+)
• Earned Income: 20% deduction
• Dependent Care: Costs for child or dependent care needed for work or school
• Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled (unreimbursed costs only; standard deduction of $136 available without full verification)
• Shelter Costs: Rent/mortgage and utilities, up to $712 (no cap for households with elderly/disabled members)
• Standard Utility Allowance: Varies (e.g., $374 for heating/cooling, updated annually)
• Homeless Deduction: Up to $190.30
• Court-Ordered Child Support: Payments made to non-household members

New York SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)

Maximum monthly allotments by household size (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):

Benefits are calculated by multiplying net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting the result from the maximum allotment for the household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit. A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has been applied for 2025 to account for rising food prices. New York may provide a SNAP Supplement for certain households (e.g., those with high shelter costs), increasing benefits beyond federal maximums.

Applying for SNAP in New York

Apply through the following methods:

• Online: myBenefits portal
• In-Person: Visit a local Social Services office (in New York City, visit a SNAP Center; elsewhere, contact your county Department of Social Services)
• Mail: Download, complete, and mail the application (Form LDSS-4826) from the OTDA website to a local Social Services office
• Fax: Fax the completed application to a local Social Services office (check local office for fax number)
• Phone: Call (800) 342-3009 for assistance; in New York City, call (718) 557-1399

An interview (phone or in-person) is required to finalize the application. Households with urgent needs (e.g., less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs) may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. Keep your confirmation number and copies of submitted documents.

Post-Approval Process

• Receive a New York EBT Card by mail, which must be activated before use.
• Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online (e.g., Amazon, Walmart). SNAP cannot cover delivery fees.
• Benefits are loaded monthly on a staggered schedule based on the last digit of the primary applicant’s case number (e.g., 0-1 on the 1st, 2-3 on the 2nd, etc.).
• Check balances via receipts, the myBenefits portal, the ConnectEBT mobile app, by calling 1-888-328-6399, or through resources like How to Check SNAP Balance.
• Protect your EBT card from scams by changing your PIN regularly and reporting issues immediately to 1-888-328-6399. Note: Replacement of stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) is not available for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024.

EBT Card Perks

• Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Walmart, and other approved retailers.
• Farmers’ Markets: Purchase fresh produce at participating markets, with programs like New York’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program offering additional vouchers for fruits and vegetables.
• Discount Programs: Discounts on services like Amazon Prime or museum admissions (check Museums for All).

Items Not Covered by SNAP

SNAP benefits cannot be used for:

• Alcohol or tobacco
• Hot prepared foods
• Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
• Vitamins or medications

Key Information

• Income and benefit limits are updated annually (October 1).
• Most New York households are categorically eligible, easing income and asset restrictions.
• Use the New York OTDA SNAP Eligibility Screening Tool to estimate eligibility.
• Apply even if unsure—you may qualify.
• Report stolen benefits (for thefts before December 20, 2024) within 30 days of discovery and seek emergency food assistance via New York 2-1-1 or Food Bank for New York City (in NYC) or Foodlink (upstate).

Resources

• New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
• USDA SNAP Eligibility
• Food Bank for New York City: (212) 894-8060
• Foodlink: (585) 328-3380
• New York 2-1-1 for emergency food assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for SNAP in New York?

Apply online at the myBenefits portal, in person at a local Social Services office, by mail, fax, or call (800) 342-3009 for help (in NYC, call (718) 557-1399).

What are the 2025 SNAP income limits for New York?

For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $2,878 (200% FPL) or $2,375 (165% FPL for elderly/disabled). Limits vary by household size. Categorically eligible households may have higher limits.

How long does SNAP approval take in New York?

Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 7 days for emergencies.

Can I use my New York SNAP EBT card online?

Yes, it’s accepted at retailers like Amazon and Walmart for eligible grocery purchases.

Are there work requirements for New York SNAP?

Adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt (e.g., disabled, pregnant, or caring for a child).

This guide is based on 2025 federal and New York OTDA guidelines. Verify details with your local Social Services office for accuracy.