New York SNAP
Last updated October 8, 2026 · By O.B.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income New York households buy groceries each month. In New York, SNAP is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) through your local department of social services. Benefits are delivered on a New York State EBT card.
What is SNAP?
SNAP provides monthly food benefits loaded onto a New York State EBT card, which works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP, and for approved online grocery orders. Benefits can be used for foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, and bread and cereal. They cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicines, or non-food items.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and resources. Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited income may qualify. Most adults ages 16 to 59 must follow SNAP work rules. Households where everyone is age 60 or older, or has a disability, may qualify under simplified rules.
New York income limits
New York does not apply one gross income limit to every household. OTDA publishes three separate charts, and which one applies depends on whether anyone in the household has earned income, is aged 60 or older or has a disability, or pays out-of-pocket dependent care costs.
All three charts below are OTDA’s own, based on SNAP standards effective October 1, 2026 (in force through September 30, 2027). Gross income means income before any deductions.
Households without earned income (no member aged 60 or older, no disabled member)
| Household size | Maximum monthly gross income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 |
| 2 | $2,345 |
| 3 | $2,960 |
| 4 | $3,575 |
| 5 | $4,191 |
| 6 | $4,806 |
| 7 | $5,421 |
| 8 | $6,037 |
| Each additional person | add $616 |
Households with earned income (no member aged 60 or older, no disabled member)
| Household size | Maximum monthly gross income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $2,705 |
| 3 | $3,415 |
| 4 | $4,125 |
| 5 | $4,835 |
| 6 | $5,545 |
| 7 | $6,255 |
| 8 | $6,965 |
| Each additional person | add $710 |
Households with an older adult (aged 60 or older) or a disabled member, or with dependent care expenses
| Household size | Maximum monthly gross income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $7,393 |
| 7 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $9,287 |
| Each additional person | add $947 |
Which chart applies matters a great deal. A four-person household with no earned income is measured against $3,575 a month. The same household with earned income is measured against $4,125. If it pays for childcare, or if someone in it is 60 or older or has a disability, the figure is $5,500. Meeting the gross income test does not by itself establish eligibility; OTDA calculates a full budget when you apply.
Maximum monthly benefit, October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027
| Household size | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $306 |
| 2 | $562 |
| 3 | $808 |
| 4 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person (households of 9 to 17) | add $225 |
| 18 or more people | capped at $3,887 |
The minimum monthly benefit for one- and two-person households rises to $25. These amounts are set federally and apply in New York. Your actual benefit may be lower than the maximum, because New York counts your income, household size and allowed expenses.
What we could not verify
OTDA’s SNAP fact sheet (Pub-5104) states that households with a member aged 60 or older, or who receives certain disability benefits, are not subject to a gross income limit at all and are assessed on net income instead. OTDA’s current published charts place those households in the third chart above. We could not reconcile the two statements, so we show the current chart and recommend applying rather than relying on either reading.
OTDA has published its charts for the period beginning October 1, 2026; we read them on its SNAP page on October 8, 2026.
How to apply
You can apply for SNAP in several ways. After applying, you will complete an interview and provide documents to verify income and household details.
Apply online
Create an account and apply at myBenefits.ny.gov, where you can also check your case and upload documents.
Apply by phone
Call 1-800-342-3009 (OTDA Hotline) for help applying and to request free language assistance.
Apply by mail or in person
You can also submit an application by mail or at a local department of social services office.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program source: New York OTDA — SNAP. Income limits and benefit amounts can change; always confirm current figures with OTDA or your local social services district.
Find benefits you may already qualify for
Benefit Guardian helps you discover government and card benefits in minutes.
Check the official program page →