The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used to buy food. 

SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled, and others put healthy food on their table.

Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors.

The NYS myBenefits website explains the SNAP Program and answers many questions about the program.

You can review the eligibility requirements on the NYS SNAP website.

You can also answer some questions online to help see if you qualify.

The SNAP website may also let you know if you appear to be eligible for any other assistance programs.

You can get an application:

• By phone: (518) 447-2551
• In person: 162 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY
• Online: NYS myBenefits

Submit your application to us:

• By fax (518) 447-7004
• In person or by mail
   162 Washington Avenue, 5th Floor
   Albany, NY 12210.

• An interview is required but this can be done over the phone.
  For a phone interview, please write your daytime phone number on the application.
• You may have a face to face interview if you choose.
• The more information you supply with your application (see "What proof do you need?" section below), the less time the interview will take.

We will need proof of:

• Identification/Citizenship or Alien Status, if questionable
• Income for all household members who live and eat with you
  This includes income from wages, and  unearned income sources such as unemployment benefits, child support, social security benefits, etc.
• Address and shelter expenses
  Proof of how much rent/mortgage you pay, property and school taxes, home owners insurance, etc.
• Heating Costs
  Proof of what type of fuel you use to heat your home
• Student Status
  Required for students age 16 and older
• Dependent Care Expenses
  Proof of how much you pay for day care)

Please note: 

• If you submit some or all of the proof with your application, it may speed up the interview process.
• We may request additional information depending on the interview and your circumstances.
• If you did not submit the documentation with your application, we will send you a request for the needed documentation after we conduct the interview.

• NYS SNAP Website
• NYS SNAP Fact Sheet
• NYS SNAP Hoja de Datos Informativos
• NYS SNAP Work Requirements
• Requisitos de Trabajo de SNAP