EBT in New York – 2022 Guide

If you are a New York state resident and have questions about EBT in New York, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will explain in detail how SNAP EBT benefits work in New York, who is eligible and how to apply (including in NYC).

Additionally, if you already have New York EBT and have questions, we can help. See below for how to check your NY EBT balance, get a replacement card, see the EBT deposit schedule, and a complete list of what you can and cannot buy with your SNAP benefits.

• Who is eligible for EBT in New York?
• How do I apply for New York EBT?
• Check your NY EBT Card balance
• How do I get a Replacement EBT Card?
• When are EBT Benefits Deposited?
• What can I buy with New York EBT?

Who is Eligible for EBT in New York?

SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.

The amount of benefits you receive depends on factors like your household size, income, and expenses.

If you are eligible for SNAP, you can get monthly benefits to spend at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

Your monthly benefits will be deposited on a New York EBT Card (see below), which works like a debit card.

EBT Card in New York is also called Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC).

To be eligible, you must meet certain income requirements.

Here’s what you need to know before you apply for SNAP:

• If you are eligible for SNAP, you will receive your benefits within 30 days
• You must be a US citizen or have satisfactory immigration status to receive SNAP
• SNAP application requires proof of identity, where you live, and income
• You can allow someone who knows your household to situation apply for you
• You may have to complete an interview after you submit your New York SNAP application. Your caseworker will call you if they need more information.
• College students eligible to participate in state or federal work-study, regardless of whether they are actively employed or participating in work-study may be eligible for SNAP
• Additionally, college students with “expected family contributions” of $0 may be eligible for SNAP, if otherwise eligible.

How do I apply for New York EBT?

How you apply for EBT in New York depends on whether you like in New York City or Upstate New York.

See below for details:

How to Apply For EBT in Upstate New York:

You can now apply for SNAP in Upstate New York online, by mail, fax, or in person at your local Department of
Social Services. Here’s how:

Option 1 – Apply Online

You may apply for SNAP online if you live in upstate New York by going to myBenefits.ny.gov.

Once there, click on the Apply for SNAP link as shown in the image below.

Option 2 – Apply by Mail or Fax or In Person

Additionally, you may also apply for SNAP by completing an application dropping it off in person at your local Social Services office.

Alternatively, you can also fax or mail your completed application to your local Social Services office.

Click here to download an application.

For help in completing your SNAP application, click here.

For information about your local Social Services office, including their address or fax number, click here.

How to Apply For EBT in New York City:

For New York City residents, there are several options available to apply for SNAP. Here’s how:

Apply Online

Residents of New York City can apply for SNAP online through the myHRA system as shown below. Click here to apply.

Apply by Phone

Print Out the Application and Mail/Fax it In

Furthermore, you can call the SNAP Infoline at 718-557-1399 to have an application mailed to you.

Once completed, you can fax the application to 917-639-1111.

Get Help Applying for SNAP in New York

Whether you live in New York City or outside the city, there are many community organizations and nutrition
outreach providers that can help you get and complete an application for the SNAP benefits.

For New York City residents, click here for help.

For residents outside of NYC, click here for help in applying and getting SNAP.

Additionally, a Google search for “New York SNAP Application Help” will provide you several organizations that can help you get SNAP.

Check your NY EBT Card balance

Here’s how to check the balance on your New York EBT Card.

Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt

The first and easiest option is to check your last NY EBT card transaction receipt.

This is the quickest way to locate the current balance on your New York EBT Card.

Once you locate your last receipt, the card balance will be listed at the bottom of your grocery store receipt or the ATM receipt if you also get cash benefits.

You should get in the habit of keeping your most current EBT receipt, that way, you always have a quick way to check your balance before you shop.

Option 2 – Login to New York EBT Card Account

The second option for checking your New York EBT Card balance is online through the ConnectEBT website.

To log in, visit www.connectebt.com, then enter your Ussr ID and Password as shown below.

Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your current balance and transaction history.

If you do not have a ConnectEBT account, you can create an account here, under the section “To create a new User ID and Password:”

However, if you have forgotten your ConnectEBT User ID or Password, here’s what you can do:

To retrieve your User ID or reset your password, visit www.connectebt.com

Next, locate the section of the page titled “If you forgot your Password or User ID and For more information about your Program:”

Follow the instructions to reset your password or retrieve your User ID.

Option 3 – Check New York EBT Balance by Phone

Lastly, you can check your New York EBT Card balance is by phone.

Call the New York EBT Customer Service number (1-888-328-6399) on the back of your card.

The Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

After you call, enter your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number and you will hear your current New York SNAP or cash account balance(s).

How do I get a Replacement EBT Card?

Here’s how to replace a lost or stolen NY EBT Card:

First, If you suspect or know:

• That your New York EBT card or card number has been lost or stolen;
• That someone not authorized by you has gained access to your EBT card or card number and PIN;
• or, That someone has gained information about your identity that may result in your benefits being stolen.

If any of the above is true, follow these three (3) steps:

Step 1

First, you must immediately contact EBT Customer Service (1-888-328-6399) to report your EBT card lost or stolen.

Only by first contacting EBT Customer Service to deactivate your EBT card can you protect yourself against potential benefit theft.

When you call, the EBT Customer Service will deactivate your card so that no one else can use it.

You can also request a new replacement card to be mailed to you at this time.

Step 2

Contact your local SNAP caseworker to report the problem and to request what is called EBT ARU PIN Restriction.

This is a procedure that your SNAP office can use to make it impossible to change your PIN over the phone through the EBT
Customer Service helpline or through the Internet Cardholder Account website.

Once this procedure is done, any PIN changes would have to be done by you, with your card in hand, at the local agency or assistance center.

Furthermore, this restriction can also be removed upon your request by your agency worker.

Step 3

If you did not request a replacement card when you called EBT Customer Service to report your card lost, stolen, or damaged,
contact your SNAP caseworker and request one.

Also, It is recommended that you select a new PIN for your new card at the SNAP office or assistance center.

When are EBT Benefits Deposited?

The EBT deposit schedule for New York depends on whether you live in New York City or outside New York City.

For those who live outside NYC, here’s how it works:

For those outside NYC, benefits are sent out over the first 9 days of every month, based on the last digit of your case number.

Here’s the schedule:

All NY Counties Except New York City

New York City Residents SNAP Issuing Schedule

SNAP Benefits for NYC recipients are deposited based on a completely different schedule.

The actual dates change from one month to month. The city publishes a six-month schedule showing the exact availability dates.

See the schedule below

NYC EBT Pickup Schedule 2021 (July – December 2021)

The schedule below is for both Cash Assistance and SNAP Recipients.

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your SNAP EBT card to purchase eligible food items.

If you need help finding your Case Number or Toe digit, please contact your local SNAP office.

For New York City SNAP Centers, click here.

For all other counties, click here to see the list of Department of Social Services Offices by county.

What can I buy with New York EBT?

You can use your New York SNAP benefits to buy groceries, snacks, and seeds or plants that will produce food.

However, you cannot use SNAP to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, live animals, prepared foods, or any non-food household items.

Here’s a complete guide on what you can and cannot purchase with your SNAP EBT card:

What items can be purchased with SNAP Benefits?

• Food or food products meant to be eaten by people
• Seeds to grow vegetables and plants that provide food, such as basil or tomato
• Baby formula, diabetic, and diet foods
• Spices, herbs, pectin, shortening, and other edible items used for cooking
• Water and ice labeled for human consumption
• Snack foods

What items cannot be purchased with SNAP Benefits?

• Prepared hot foods in grocery stores
• Any prepared food (hot or cold) sold and meant to be eaten at the store
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
• Cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, and cooking utensils
• Pet supplies
• Items for food preservation such as canning jars and lids, freezer containers, or food wrapping paper
• Medicines, vitamins, or minerals
• Items for gardening such as fertilizer and peat moss

EBT in New York Summary

We hope this post on EBT in New York was helpful.

If you have further questions about New York SNAP or EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.

Also, be sure to check out our other articles about NY SNAP and EBT, including:
New York to see 25% Increase in SNAP Benefits
New York EBT Deposit Dates for 2021
Get Free Admission with NY EBT Card
New York P-EBT Benefits for Summer 2021
P-EBT Extension for NY for School Year 2020/2021
New York EBT Questions and Answers
How much will I get in New York SNAP benefits?