SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

About the program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps individuals and families buy food each month using benefits that can be spent at authorized grocery stores. How much help you get depends on things like your household size, income, and savings.

SNAP also supports families who are moving from Temporary Assistance into the workforce by allowing benefits to continue during the transition to greater independence. In general, families earning up to 130% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

If you’re eligible, your SNAP benefits start from the day you submit your application to the department. Once you apply and meet the program’s rules, you have a legal right to receive your benefits.

Eligibility Interview

To finish the eligibility process, you’ll need to complete an interview — either in person or over the phone — with a caseworker or your authorized representative. During the interview, you’ll review your application and provide proof of your income, expenses, and other details.

You may be asked to provide some of the following documents:

• Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, driver’s license, or other photo ID
• Social Security Cards: For all household members, including children
• Proof of Residence: Rent receipt or lease agreement; homeowners should bring proof of mortgage, property taxes, and insurance
• Utility Bills: Recent gas, electric, or phone bills
• Proof of Legal Status (if applicable): Alien registration card or other documentation of legal residency
• Proof of Earned Income: Recent pay stubs or a written statement from your employer
• Proof of Unearned Income: Social Security, unemployment, workers’ compensation, child support, or other benefits
• Child Care Costs: Canceled checks, receipts, or a written statement from your provider
• Medical Expenses: Receipts for medical bills or proof of insurance premium payments

SNAP Benefits

The amount of SNAP assistance your household receives each month is called an allotment. This amount is based on the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which is updated each year to reflect current food costs, nutrition guidelines, and the typical eating habits of low-income households.

Your SNAP allotment depends on your household size, age, and income. Most households must meet income requirements, unless all members are already receiving TANF, SSI, or Safety Net Assistance.

Expedited SNAP Benefits

Some households may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits, which are issued within five calendar days of submitting an application. This faster process is available to applicants who meet specific emergency eligibility criteria.

What You Can Buy with SNAP

SNAP benefits can be used to buy a wide variety of foods for your household, including:

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish, and poultry
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants that produce food for your household

What SNAP Cannot Be Used For

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
• Non-food items such as pet food, soaps, paper products, or household supplies
• Vitamins, medicines, or supplements
• Hot foods or foods prepared for immediate consumption

EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)

New York State issues SNAP benefits through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. Your benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card and can be used to purchase eligible foods at participating grocery stores.

• Click here if you would like to log in or create an account to view your EBT Card balance or temporarily freeze your EBT Card, 

For more information

• Contact the Wyoming County Department of Social Services or you can click here to visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.