Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available to help low-income households purchase nutritious food and maintain good health. Are you struggling to afford groceries? Check to see if you're Eligible for SNAP!
Checking your Application Status is Quick and Easy!
Have you submitted your SNAP application online? Log into your myBenefits NY account. Once you're in, you can track your application and view your case details. Online tracking is not available for applications submitted in person through the Schenectady County Department of Social Services.
How can SNAP Help?
SNAP recipients receive a monthly allowance to purchase healthy and nutritious food. The monthly allowance is based on the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan, an estimate of a family's total monthly food expense by household size. The estimated amount is modified every year in accordance with the cost of living index.
What can I Purchase with SNAP?
- breads and cereals
- fruits and vegetables
- meats, fish, and poultry
- dairy products
You can also purchase seeds and plants that produce food for your household.
What can't I purchase with SNAP?
- beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
- nonfood items like:
- pet food
- soap, paper products, and household supplies
- vitamins and medicine
- food that will be eaten in the store
- hot foods
| Household Size | Maximum Allotment |
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| For each additional member | $219+ |
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by factors such as income and family size. If your gross income is at or below New York State's guidelines for your household size, you may qualify for SNAP benefits. You can view the income guidelines on the New York State website or use the New York myBenefits prescreening tool.
The best way to find out if you can get SNAP is to apply!
Complete and Submit Your SNAP Application Online
- Gather documents you will need
- Go to mybenefits.ny.gov, log on, or register to create an account
- Complete the application and upload your required documents
- Submit Your Application
Apply In Person
You may apply for SNAP benefits in person at the Schenectady County Department of Social Services Building at 797 Broadway in Schenectady. Through a community partnership, three (3) community-based organizations are available to assist you in applying for SNAP benefits using the MyBenefits online application.
SNAP Program Partners
Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP)
(518) 374-9181
Schenectady Inner-City Ministries (SICM)
(518) 346-4445
The Program is designed to provide a nutritional supplement for both public assistance and non-public assistance households who meet certain eligibility standards with respect to income, resources, and alien status. Factors such as household size, shelter/utility expense, and monthly income are taken into account in determining specific benefit levels for each household.
Individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and live alone may be eligible to automatically receive SNAP Benefits under the New York State Nutrition Improvement Project. Please call the hotline at 1-800-342-3009 for additional information.
Although an eligibility determination may take up to 30 days from the date of application, if eligible, benefits will be issued retroactively to the date the application was initially filed. In addition, an eligible SNAP household may be entitled to receive benefits on an expedited basis within 5 calendar days of the application date, provided the household's income, and available resources are within established limits during the month of application.
Once eligibility is established, recipients are issued a Benefit Identification (ID) card and are asked to select a Personal Identification Number (PIN), which is used to access benefits at any number of local retail sites throughout the county.
Once initial eligibility is established, a redetermination for continued participation in SNAP is conducted on a bi-annual basis. Each food stamp household is scheduled for a recertification interview at the end of the initial 12 month certification period in order to document changes in income, expenses, household composition or any other change in circumstances that may affect SNAP eligibility or degree of need. SNAP recipients with earned income, however, are scheduled for a recertification interview every 6 months.
It is important to note that the ultimate responsibility rests with the SNAP household in reporting changes in a timely fashion. Failure to comply in this regard, or intentionally withholding information or filing a fraudulent application, may result in food stamp penalties, including a reduction in benefits, durational sanctions or permanent disqualification.
Individuals who qualify for SNAP under the New York State Nutrition Improvement Project (NYSNIP) will be eligible for a 48 month certification period. Call the hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
You can use your SNAP benefits at many of the Schenectady County Farmers' Markets and the Schenectady Greenmarket to purchase fruits and vegetables, breads, baked goods, meat, fish and poultry, dairy, maple syrup, honey, jams, sauces, spreads, vegetables, and plants.
The Summer EBT program, launching in New York State in 2024, provides low-income families with food benefits to help purchase groceries during the summer when children lack access to school meals. Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120, with benefits issued from mid-July through October. These benefits expire 122 days after issuance.
Most children will receive these benefits automatically, but some may need to apply. The application will be available online starting in early July, and submissions must be made by September 3, 2024.
Families with questions about eligibility or benefit cards can call the Summer EBT Helpline. Summer EBT cards function like P-EBT cards and will serve as the child's permanent card for future benefits. Families needing replacement cards or assistance can follow instructions on OTDA’s website or call customer service for support.