The Propel Guide To EBT In New York

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EBT = electronic benefits transfer.

EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.

You’ll get the New York EBT Card once you’re approved for benefits.

New York’s EBT customer service number is 1-888-328-6399.

The easiest way to apply for food stamps is online:

- In New York City, apply online at ACCESS HRA

- In all other New York counties, apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov

You can also apply in person at a local office, or request a paper application be mailed to you.

Learn if you’re eligible for food stamps.

You’ll have to renew your food stamps before your certification period (the amount of time you’ll get food stamps) ends. For most New York households, that period is 6 - 12 months. Confirm the length of your certification period with your caseworker.

You’ll get a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

You can renew your benefits online with a myBenefits account.

If you’d rather renew in person, call your caseworker, local office, or the New York SNAP hotline (1-800-342-3009) to find out how.

New York sends out benefits over the first 9 days of every month, based on the last digit of your case number.

For NYC cases, benefits are sent out over 13 days that are not Sundays or holidays, during the first two weeks of each month.

Check the full schedule to find out which day you’ll get your food stamps.

You should report:

• If anyone moves in or out of your household.
• Financial changes like income, rent, savings, or child support.
• Work changes. Does your household include an adult who doesn’t have a disability or a child (what the government calls an ABAWD)? Is this person required to work or train 20 hours/week? Then you should report if this person starts working or training less than 20 hours/week.

Most households have to report all changes no more than 10 days after they happen, but some don’t. Your caseworker can confirm which rules apply to your household. If you are moving, you should report your new address ASAP to make sure you don’t miss any important letters.

You can report changes online with a myBenefits account.

If you can’t find your EBT card, call the New York EBT hotline as soon as you can: 1-888-328-6399.

Call the New York EBT hotline number at 1-888-328-6399. Your state may require you to change your PIN, report your card stolen, and/or request a new card.

If your benefits were electronically stolen in or after October 2022 (e.g., through skimming or phishing), you may be eligible to apply for reimbursement. Learn more about your state’s process.

You can use food stamps to buy groceries, snacks, and seeds or plants that will produce food.

You can’t use food stamps to buy alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, live animals, prepared foods, or any non-food household items.

WIC food packages typically include cereal, juice, eggs, milk, peanut butter, dried and canned beans, tofu, fruits and vegetables, and whole-wheat bread. WIC packages also include canned fish and cheese for breastfeeding moms, and baby food for babies.

Yes! Your EBT card can get you and your family discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

Once your child is born, your household size will increase. More household members = more benefits.

While you are pregnant, you can’t get more food stamps, but you can apply for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.

WIC provides food and resources for pregnant women, new parents, and children up to 5 years old.

If you have a child who’s 18 or younger, you may qualify for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

TANF provides monthly cash assistance to help families with children get by during tough times.

Check out this benefit finder tool and find out.