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Questions and Answers about Food Stamps
Answers to many commonly asked questions about the Food Stamp Program can be found in this section. Click on each of the questions below to learn more about Food Stamps.
- How can I find out where to apply for Food Stamps?
- How do I go about getting Food Stamps?
- Can an application be mailed to me?
- How can I know if I might be eligible for Food Stamps?
- I hear about some people getting Food Stamps right away, or within a few days of applying. How is that possible?
- As a non-citizen, can I get Food Stamp benefits?
- Can students get Food Stamps?
How can I find out where to apply for Food Stamps?
Probably, the quickest way is to call the toll-free New York State Temporary Assistance Hotline at 1-800-342-3009. By following the prompts on the automated caller response system, you can find the address and phone number of the food stamp office for where you live.
You can also choose the option to speak to an operator, and they will give you the information about the food stamp office for where you live. You may also find a listing for your county Department of Social Services in the blue pages of government office listings in your phone book. If you live in New York City, you should look for the listings of the Human Resources Administration. You may also visit the following websites: Local County Departments of Social Services or New York City Food Stamp Centers.
In many locations throughout New York State, there are community organizations that can help you get and complete an application for the Food Stamp Program. Most of these organizations can also screen you to see if you might be eligible. For a list of these organizations visit the Nutritional Outreach Educational Providers website. In some of these locations you may be able to apply electronically. View a list of the locations where On-line food Stamp Application sites are available.
The current Food Stamps Benefits Application is also available from this site in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. In order to download and print the application and accompanying instructions, you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
- "Food Stamp Benefits Application" LDSS-4826
- "How To Complete The Food Stamp Benefits Application" LDSS-4826A
How do I go about getting Food Stamps?
First, if you want to find out if you may be eligible to receive Food Stamps, you may want to use the Food Stamp pre-screening tool myBenefits.ny.gov. Please note: This pre-screening tool is not an application for Food Stamps.
In order to apply for Food Stamps, you need to file an application with your local county Department of Social Services, or, if you live in one of the five boroughs of New York City, with your local Food Stamp Center. The food stamp office must give you an application form on the same day you ask for one. The office also must accept and register your application on the same day you turn it in.
You may submit, and the food stamp office must accept, your application as long as you have filled in your name, address and telephone number (if you have one) and signed the application. However, you should try to provide as much information as you can. Whatever information you cannot provide, a food stamp worker can help you complete at your eligibility interview.
You may have a complete eligibility interview done on the same day you file your application, or you may be asked to come back another day for a complete interview. If you qualify for food stamps, you must get them no later than 30 days from the date the office got your application.
Can an application be mailed to me?
Yes, to request a mailed application you should call or write your local county Department of Social Services office or, in New York City, your local Food Stamp Center. Also, you may download a food stamp application from this website or ask that someone pick one up for you from your local County Department of Social Service office or center.
How can I know if I might be eligible for Food Stamps?
To find out if you may be eligible for Food Stamp Benefits, visit myBenefits.ny.gov to use the Food Stamps Pre-screening Eligibility Tool. Please note: The pre-screening tool is not an application for Food Stamps.
In New York State, the Food Stamp Program now allows you to have more money in a checking or savings account, or even a retirement account, without affecting your eligibility for food stamp benefits. As of January 1, 2008, most households applying for food stamp benefits no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get food stamp benefits. This means having money in a savings, checking or retirement account, or having other resources, will not keep you from being eligible for food stamp benefits, as long as you meet the income guidelines.
I hear about some people getting Food Stamps right away, or within a few days of applying. How is that possible?
Even if the food stamp office cannot do a complete eligibility interview for you on the same day you file your application; you at least must be screened to see if you qualify for what is called "expedited" consideration.
If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, you may qualify for "expedited" food stamps. If you do, you must receive your initial Food Stamp benefit within five days. You will still have to complete the eligibility process, and supply all the required documentation at a later date.
As a non-citizen, can I get Food Stamp benefits?
Many non-citizens may be eligible for food stamp benefits if they are one of the following:
- 1. Refugees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants, asylees, Amerisian immigrants, deportation or removal withheld, Hmong or Highland Laotians, victims of human trafficking, parolee for at least one year, conditional entrants, North American Indians born in Canada and members of federally recognized tribes;
- Qualified aliens in receipt of certain disability benefits;
- Honorably discharged U.S. veteran, the spouse and unmarried dependent children;
- Aliens on active duty in the U.S. military service, the spouse and unmarried dependent children;
- The following aliens who have lived in the U.S. with qualified status for 5 years:
- legal permanent resident;
- certain battered immigrants and their children or parents; and
- paroled into U.S. for at least one year.
- Qualified alien children under 18.
Can students get Food Stamps?
Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled at least half-time in college or other institution of higher education are not eligible for food stamps. However, students may be able to get food stamps, if otherwise eligible, if they:
- Receive public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program, or
- Take part in a state or federally-financed work study program; or
- Work at least 20 hours per week.
Single parents enrolled full time in college and taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 12 can get food stamps, if otherwise eligible. Students also may be able to get food stamps, if otherwise eligible, if they are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6, or if they are taking care of a dependent household member age 6 through 11 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours per week, or take part in a state or federally-financed work study program.
Students who are assigned to or placed in college or certain other schools as part of certain job or employment training programs may also be eligible for food stamps.