Food Stamp Benefits in New York
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds food stamps and sets the rules for the benefit. New York's Department of Social Services administers the program in the state. You can find out online if you are likely to be eligible for food stamps in New York.
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Eligibility
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To qualify for food stamps in New York your income must be less than 130 percent of the federal poverty level. This means a monthly gross income for a single person of $1.174 as of 2011. For a family of four, the limit is $2.389. The limit is slightly higher if there is a disabled person or someone over 60 in your household. New York offers a pre-screening tool on the website of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). You enter information on your income and monthly costs and the site will tell you if you might be able to access food stamps.
Application
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The website of the OTDA is also the place to begin an application for food stamps in New York. Simply click on the "Apply for Food Stamps" link and you can submit your application online. You will then be contacted by a case worker who will arrange for an interview. You should bring documentation to prove your income levels as well as your essential expenses such as housing.
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Benefit Levels
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Your level of benefits is calculated using your actual income, so it will vary from household to household. The maximum allowable benefit for a single person is $200 per month. For a family of four it is $668. If you need to recertify and renew your benefits, New York now allows you to do this by phone on its toll-free hotline 1 (800) 342-3009.
Additional Services
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If you are receiving food stamps in New York you can also access help through Eat Smart New York! This is a nutrition education program that's free to benefit recipients. Classes can be held at a variety of venues from cooperative extension to senior centers to private homes. The classes cover meal planning, food shopping, cooking, weight control and physical activity.
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