Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support

Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support
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Find Help by State
SNAP Benefits
Medicaid / CHIP Help
Housing Assistance
TANF / Cash Help
Contact

Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support

Helping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare SupportHelping Americans Find Food, Housing, and Healthcare Support
Home
Find Help by State
SNAP Benefits
Medicaid / CHIP Help
Housing Assistance
TANF / Cash Help
Contact
More
  • Home
  • Find Help by State
  • SNAP Benefits
  • Medicaid / CHIP Help
  • Housing Assistance
  • TANF / Cash Help
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Find Help by State
  • SNAP Benefits
  • Medicaid / CHIP Help
  • Housing Assistance
  • TANF / Cash Help
  • Contact

This page helps New York residents find support through SNAP

What is SNAP in New York

 The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families in New York buy healthy food. SNAP benefits are loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card and can be used like a debit card at most grocery stores and markets. 

Who Qualifies?

 

You may be eligible for SNAP if you meet these general conditions:

  • You live in New York State
     
  • Your income is within the program limits
     
  • You are a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
     
  • You work part-time, full-time, or are unemployed
     
  • You have children, are elderly, or disabled
     

✅ Both individuals and families may apply.



 

📊 SNAP Income Limits – New York (2025)

  • SNAP eligibility is based on gross monthly income before taxes. These limits apply across all of New York, including NYC, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and rural counties.


Household Size      | Max Gross Monthly Income  

--------------------|---------------------------

1 person            | $1,580  

2 people            | $2,137  

3 people            | $2,694  

4 people            | $3,250  

5 people            | $3,807  

6 people            | $4,364  

Each additional     | +$557

 ✔️ Households with seniors or people with disabilities may qualify even if their income is slightly higher. 


 “These limits apply across all counties in New York, including NYC, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and more.” 

APPLY NOW 
👉 myBenefits.ny.gov

How to Apply for SNAP (New York)

 

You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

  1. Visit the official New York benefits portal:
    👉 myBenefits.ny.gov
     
  2. Create an account or log in
     
  3. Fill out the application with your:
     
    • Household size
       
    • Monthly income
       
    • Identity and residency documents
       

  1. Submit the application
     
  2. Check back for updates or interview requests
     

📞 For help, call the SNAP helpline: 1-800-342-3009

🩺 What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a state and federally funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. In New York, Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health, dental, vision, and more — often at no cost to the recipient.

New York also offers CHIP (Child Health Plus) for children 




✅ Who Qualifies for Medicaid in NY?

 

 

✅ Who Qualifies for Medicaid in NY?

You may qualify if you meet any of the following:

  • You are a New York State resident
     
  • Your household income is low (within guidelines)
     
  • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
     
  • You are:
     
    • Pregnant
       
    • A parent or caretaker
       
    • A child under 19
       
    • Age 65+
       
    • Disabled or blind
       
    • Receiving SSI or TANF
       

✅ There is no cost for most eligible people, and no open enrollment period — you can apply year-round.


 

📌 Tip:

If you are elderly, disabled, or applying on behalf of someone with special needs, you may need to apply through your local Department of Social Services (DSS). Find your local office here:
🔗 https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp

💻 How to Apply for Medicaid in NY

 

You can apply online or in person:

  1. 🖥️ Visit the official site:
    🔗
    nystateofhealth.ny.gov
     
  2. Create an account or sign in
     
  3. Fill out your household and income information
     
  4. Upload any requested documents
     
  5. You’ll receive an eligibility notice by mail or online
     

📞 Need help? Call the New York State of Health Customer Service Center:
1-855-355-5777

🏠 Section 8 Housing Assistance in New York

Section 8, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, helps low-income individuals and families in New York afford safe, decent housing in the private market. Eligible residents receive vouchers that cover a portion of their monthly rent, while they pay the remaining amount based on their income.


✅ Who Qualifies?

 To qualify for Section 8 in New York:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
     
  • You must be a resident of New York
     
  • Your household income must fall below 50% of the area median income (AMI)
     
  • Priority is often given to:
     
    • Elderly individuals
       
    • People with disabilities
       
    • Families with children
       
    • Victims of domestic violence
       
    • Veterans
       

⚠️ Income limits vary by county and household size. You can check your local income limits through your PHA.


 

📞 Need Help?

Call the New York State HCR Section 8 Office:
📞 1-866-463-7753

Or contact your local PHA listed here:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/new_york/renting

 

📝 How to Apply

  1. Locate your local housing authority (PHA):
    🔗
    Find a PHA in New York
     
  2. Check if the waiting list is open — many areas have long wait times
     
  3. Submit an application (online, by mail, or in person depending on the PHA)
     
  4. Provide documents like:
     
    • Proof of identity and residency
       
    • Income verification
       
    • Household composition (number of people)
       

  1. If approved, you’ll be added to the waitlist or receive a voucher when available
     

💵 TANF / Cash Assistance in New York

 

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is called “Cash Assistance” in New York. It provides monthly financial help to low-income families with children to cover basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and clothing.


💰 What Is TANF?

 

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is called “Cash Assistance” in New York. It provides monthly financial help to low-income families with children to cover basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and clothing.

New York offers two main cash programs:

  • Family Assistance (FA) – for families with minor children
     
  • Safety Net Assistance (SNA) – for individuals, childless couples, or families who have reached their FA time limit     

 

✅ Who Qualifies?

You may qualify for TANF / Cash Assistance in New York if:

  • You live in New York State
     
  • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
     
  • You are pregnant or have a child under 18
     
  • Your household income and resources are below limits
     
  • You are willing to participate in work activities (if able)
     

✅ Families must meet financial eligibility rules based on household size, income, rent, and other costs.
 

📝 How to Apply

 

  1. Go to your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office
    🔗
    Find your local DSS
     
  2. Ask for or download the “Application for Public Assistance” (Form LDSS-2921)
     
  3. Fill out the application and submit it in person, by mail, or online (where available)
     
  4. Attend an interview (often required)
     
  5. Provide required documents:
     
    • ID and SSN
       
    • Proof of income and housing
       
    • Birth certificates for children
       
    • Bank statements
       

📞 Contact for Help

  • Call the New York State Temporary Assistance Hotline:
    📞 1-800-342-3009
     
  • Learn more at the NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA):
    🔗 https://otda.ny.gov/programs/temporary-assistance/

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