Get Expedited SNAP in New York City (Emergency Food Stamps)

If you live in New York City and need food assistance right away, you may be eligible for “Expedited SNAP” or Emergency SNAP, which allows you to get benefits in as little as 5 days. In this post, we are going to detail what you need to know to apply for expedited SNAP in New York City.

First, we will explain the process for Emergency SNAP application and eligibility requirements.

Next, we will detail what happens after you are approved for expedited benefits.

Lastly, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about SNAP benefits and the application process.

"Get Expedited SNAP in New York City"

What is Expedited SNAP?

Expedited SNAP (sometimes called Emergency SNAP) provides faster processing of a SNAP application for certain households. If you meet the eligibility guidelines for expedited SNAP, you will receive SNAP benefits as soon as practicable.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) must make expedited SNAP benefits available by the seventh calendar day after you filed your application.

Eligibility for Expedited SNAP in New York City

If your household has little or no money and needs food assistance right away, you may qualify for “expedited” SNAP.

You may be eligible for expedited SNAP if you meet one of the following:

  • Your household has $100 or less in liquid resources and less than $150 in gross monthly income.
  • You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker household with $100 or less in liquid resources and you have not received any income since you applied for SNAP, or
  • Your household’s monthly income and liquid resources together are less than the total of your monthly rent or mortgage and heating costs and utilities (electricity, telephone, and water).
If you do qualify, you must receive your initial benefit within 7 days.
However, you will still have to complete the eligibility process and supply the requested documentation at a later date.
See the list of Food Pantries in The Bronx and Brooklyn.

What are the Income Limits for SNAP in New York?

Here are the SNAP income limits for New York City for 2021-2022 grouped by household types.

New York City SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2022
Effective October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022
Household SizeThe Maximum Gross Monthly Income for Households with with an Elderly or Disabled Member and Households with Dependent Care Expenses (200% of FPL)Maximum Gross Monthly Income for Households without Earned Income (no elderly or disabled member – (130% of FPL)Maximum Gross Monthly Income for Households with earned income – no elderly or disabled member (150% of FPL)Monthly Income
Elderly/Disabled
Separate/Household
(165% of FPL)
1$2,148$1,396$1,610$1,771
2$2,904$1,888$2,178$2,396
3$3,660$2,379$2,745$3,020
4$4,418$2,871$3,313$3,644
5$5,174$3,363$3,880$4,268
6$5,930$3,855$4,448$4,893
7$6,688$4,347$5,015$5,517
8$7,444$4,839$5,583$6,141
Each additional member+$758 +$492 +$568 +$625

For more on New York City SNAP eligibility and how to calculate your gross income, see our New York City SNAP Eligibility guide.

How Will I Receive my SNAP Benefits?

If you are approved for SNAP benefits, your monthly benefit amount will be deposited electronically onto an Electronic Transfer Benefit (EBT) card.

The New York EBT Card, also known as the Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC), works like a debit card.

"New York EBT Card"

EBT cards can be used at a variety of stores throughout New York to purchase eligible food items.

For a complete list of the items you can purchase with your New York EBT Card, check out our post here.

Furthermore, certain categories of New York SNAP recipients can use their EBT benefits to purchase food at approved restaurants and fast food places.

This is under the New York Restaurant Meals program.

See our detailed post about the New York Restaurant Meals program and how to qualify.

Additionally, you can purchase groceries online using your New York SNAP EBT card, and have them delivered through the following grocery stores:

  • ALDI
  • Amazon
  • BJs Wholesale Club
  • Ferreira Foodtown
  • Food Bazaar
  • Foodtown-Freshtown
  • Hannaford
  • Manhattan Fruit Market
  • My Foodtown
  • Price Chopper Supermarkets
  • ShopRite
  • Stop & Shop
  • Tops Market
  • Walmart

As you can see from the list, you can purchase groceries online on Amazon. See our Amazon Grocery Online Guide here.

How Much Will I Get in New York SNAP?

Use the chart below to find the Maximum SNAP Allotment Amount for your household size.

The 2021 maximum SNAP allotments for the District of Columbia and all states other than Alaska and Hawaii are as follows:

Household SizeMaximum Monthly Benefit,
Fiscal Year 2022
Estimated Average Monthly Benefit, Fiscal Year 2022
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 person+$188

How do I apply for New York City SNAP Benefits?

If you have reviewed the New York City SNAP Eligibility Guidelines and believe you may qualify for EBT benefits, the next step is to submit your New York City SNAP application.

To apply, there are four ways you can submit your NYC SNAP Application – online, over the phone, in-person, and by mail.

See below for details:

"Apply for NYC SNAP Benefits online"

1. Apply Online

 The easiest option is to apply online. Click here for information on how to apply online through the myHRA system.

2. Apply Over the Phone

To apply for food stamps in New York City by phone, call the Human Resources Administration at (718) 557-1399. They are open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. Print Out the Application and Mail/Fax it In.

You can Download the application and fill it out.

4. Apply in Person

You can apply for food stamps in New York City in person by visiting a Human Resources Administration office near you. To locate one, click here.
See the List of SNAP Centers by Borough here: The BronxBrooklynManhattanQueens, and Staten Island.

What If I Have No Food?

If you have no food, ask the DSS for an immediate referral to a food pantry.
Also, you can also check online at https://regionalfoodbank.net/find-nearest-agency/, for food pantries near you.
Additionally, you can call the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s Membership Department at 518-786-3691, or send an email to info@regionalfoodbank.net with your address and ask for the food pantry nearest you.

Expedited SNAP in New York City Summary

We hope this post on Expedited SNAP in New York City (also called Emergency SNAP) was helpful.

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

Be sure to check out our other articles about New York SNAP and New York EBT, including:
New York to Get 25% SNAP Increase
Get Free Admissions with New York EBT Card
New York P-EBT Extension for 2021
How to Get a Free Phone With New York Food Stamps
Free Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaways in NYC

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