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.
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
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).
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 Size | The 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.
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 Size | Maximum 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:
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
3. Print Out the Application and Mail/Fax it In.
4. Apply in Person
What If I Have No Food?
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