If you are applying for Food Stamps (SNAP), HEAP, or Temporary assistance in NY State, the benefits website is the easiest way to do that. However, before you can start the application process, you need to create mybenefits account. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to create a Mybenefits.ny.gov account.
This Post will Cover:
- Benefits of Mybenefits.ny.gov Account
- How to Create a Mybenefits.ny.gov Account
- New York Food Stamps FAQs
Benefits of Mybenefits.ny.gov Account
There are several advantages to setting up a mybenefits account. With an account, you can:
- Apply for HEAP
- See Eligibility and Apply for SNAP/Food Stamps
- Apply for Public Assistance
- Continue Application
- Track Application
- Recertify Benefits
- Report Changes
- View Case Details
- Submit Verification Documents
How to Create a Mybenefits.ny.gov Account
To create your mybenefits.ny.gov account, follow the steps we have outlined below:
Remember that this process is for all residents of NY State except those that live in NYC.
If you live outside NYC, click here for instructions on how to create an ACCESS HRA account.
For NY State residents outside of NYC, continue reading below for steps to create your mybenefits.ny.gov account.
Step 1 – Visit Mybenefits.ny.gov Website
To start creating your mybenefits.ny.gov account, visit the website at https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin.
Once you are on the homepage you will need to locate the “CREATE NEW ACCOUNT” button, which is usually located in the middle part of the site (see image below).
Click on the “Create Account” button to proceed with the process.
Step 2 – Select Your County
Next, you will be taken to the page below where you will have to select your county of residence from the dropdown menu, as shown below.
Note: This process is for residents of upstate New York. If you live in NYC, click here to create an ACCESS HRA account to apply for/manage SNAP benefits.
Once you have selected your county of residence, click the “NEXT” button.
Step 3: Your Name
Next, you will be taken to the page below where you must type in your first name and last name.
If you have a middle initial you may choose to type that in, but you don’t have to.
After you have entered your name, enter your email address.
Step 4: User ID and Password
In this step you will create a User ID and Password, which you will use to return to an incomplete application, sign your application, and check the status of your application after you submit it.
For each of these, you should choose something that’s easy for you to remember but hard for other people to guess.
Your password must be 8 to 20 characters long.
It is important to create a secure password.
To create a secure password, you must use at least 3 letters, 1 number, and no more than 3 repeating characters.
When you create your password, you will be asked to re-type it. This helps make sure that you don’t create the wrong password by mistake.
After you have entered your User ID and Password successfully, check the “I’m not a robot” box, then click “NEXT” to proceed, as shown below.
Step 5: Congratulations Page
You will then be taken to a congratulations page, like the one below.
This is your indication that you have successfully created a mybenefits.ny.gov account.
Click on the “NEXT” button to proceed.
Step 6: Log in to your mybenefits.ny.gov account
Next, you will be taken to the login page for mybenefits.ny.gov account where you can enter your UserID and Password to log in to your new account.
Step 7: View Your mybenefits.ny.gov account
If you entered the correct username and password, you will be taken to your account page, as shown in the image below.
There, you can:
- Start New Benefits Application
- Start New Recertification Application
- View Case Details or Report a Change
- Update myBenefits Account
New York Food Stamps FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the New York Food Stamps program:
Who is Eligible for New York SNAP?
You may be able to get New York Food Stamp Benefits if you:
- Work and get low wages
- Have little or no income
- Are elderly or disabled
- Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance
- Are homeless (even if you are staying with someone
temporarily or you are staying at a shelter temporarily)
Also, even if you own a home and a car you may still be able to get Food Stamp Benefits. See instructions for how to apply below.
How much will I get in Food Stamps in New York?
If you are approved for SNAP benefits, how much you will receive depends on your household size and net income.
The table below provides the maximum monthly benefit and the estimated average monthly benefit based on household size.
The amount you receive may differ from these amounts due to your income and other factors.
A SNAP budget must be calculated for your household in order to determine your SNAP eligibility and benefit amount.
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit | Estimated Average Monthly Benefit |
| 1 | $250 | $175 |
| 2 | $459 | $334 |
| 3 | $658 | $520 |
| 4 | $835 | $638 |
| 5 | $992 | $748 |
| 6 | $1,190 | $869 |
| 7 | $1,316 | $941 |
| 8 | $1,504 | $1,137 |
| Each additional member | (+$188) |
How Soon Will I Recieve SNAP After I Apply?
What happens after I apply? When will I receive benefits?
After you apply for New York SNAP, the local DSS office has 30 days to give you a written decision explaining whether or not you are eligible for benefits.
If you are eligible, you will generally receive benefits retroactive to the date you filed your application.
Your monthly benefits will be provided to you on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which you can use to purchase food at approved grocery stores.
If you are denied benefits and you disagree with that determination, you can file a request for a fair hearing.
The denial form that is mailed to you will give you information about how to request a fair hearing.
What Do I Need to Apply for SNAP in NYC?
While documentation is not needed to apply for SNAP in NYC, you will eventually be asked to verify the information
you provided on your application.
To be found eligible for SNAP you will need to prove the following:
1. Proof of Identity
Acceptable documents include:
- Photo identification,
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Social Security Card
- Naturalization certificate
- Hospital/ doctor’s records
- Adoption papers
2. Proof of where you live
Acceptable documents include:
- Statement from landlord/primary tenant
- Current rent receipt or lease
- Mortgage records
3. Proof of Income (if any)
Acceptable documents include:
- Current pay stubs,
- Pay envelopes
- Business records
- Tax records,
- Current income tax return, etc.
4. Proof of Current Immigration Status
Acceptable documents include:
- USCIS documentation
Note: Receiving SNAP benefits will not affect your immigration case or lead to deportation.
If I am receiving SSI/Disability benefits, can I still qualify for New York SNAP?
Yes. You can still qualify for SNAP benefits even if you receive SSI/Disability benefits.
Also, getting New York SNAP will not affect your SSI/Disability benefit payments amount.
In other words, your SSI/Disability benefit payments amount will not be reduced if you get SNAP.
How to Create a Mybenefits.ny.gov Account Summary
We hope this post on how to create a Mybenefits.ny.gov Account was helpful.
Still Have Questions?
To apply for SNAP benefits in New York, click here: New York SNAP Eligibility Guide.
For New York Food Stamps Income Limit, click here: New York SNAP Income Limits.
If you have questions about New York EBT Card (CIBC), click here: New York EBT Card Guide.
For details on Restaurants that take food stamps in New York, click here: What Fast Food Restaurants Take SNAP in New York?
If you have further questions about New York EBT Card or SNAP benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about New York Food Stamps New York EBT, including:
Get Free Admissions with New York EBT Card
How to Get a Replacement New York SNAP EBT Card
New York to Get 25% SNAP Increase
New York P-EBT Extension for 2021