The New York food stamps program is an initiative by the state of New York and the US government, to provide food to low income families in the state. The program aims to promote healthier choices among the residents of New York by giving them food stamps geared to purchase nutritious foods such as vegetables and fruits.

For convenience and ease of use these food stamps have been incorporated into debit cards and can be used at any location including supermarkets, grocery shops and other businesses that sell food. In order to qualify for the New York food stamp programs one needs to meet a certain set of specific and general illegibility requirements. Once you have established that you meet these elligibility you should proceed to apply for the program. Each application is evaluated and processed on an individual basis, and thus you should make sure that you fill the application carefully and truthfully in order to accurately depict you situation.

If your application for the New York food stamp program is successful, you will receive the food stamps within 30 days, however in special circumstances emergency food stamp benefits can be issued within a shorter time span.

Some of the items that can be purchased with food stamps include:

• Human food or food products
• Vegetable seeds and food producing plants
• Water and ice
• Edible items for preparing food such as spices

Some of the things that cannot be purchased using a food stamp include:

• Pet supplies
• Any prepared foods that are meant to be eaten at the place of purchase be it restaurant or store
• Medicines and medicinal products e.g. vitamins and minerals
• Gardening items

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for The New York Food Stamp program, you need to meet a specific set of eligibility requirements which are mainly based on income and residence. For you to qualify for the program you need to:

• Be a resident of New York
• Be a citizen of US or a legal alien
• You need to meet the income eligibility requirements available on this link:
  www.otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/#eligibility

You should however note that in the context of applying for SNAP income means the household's total gross monthly income before taxes and other deductions are made.

You can assess your eligibility status for the New York Food Stamp program which contains an online screening tool:
https://mybenefits.ny.gov/web/otda/prescreening.

Once you meet all these eligibility requirements you qualify for the New York Food Stamp program, and you can start enjoying the benefits of the program as soon as your application is processed.

Food Stamps Application Instructions

In order to access the benefits of the New York Food Stamp program, you need to first fill out an application and submit it. There are different application avenues, with the major ones being:

• Filling out a Paper Application
• Online Application
• Seeing application assistance via phone

Filing Out a Paper Application

You can obtain a paper application at your nearest food stamp center or by downloading it at the following Link: http://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/downloads/pdf/foodstamp_app.pdf

Once you have obtained the physical / paper application form, you should to answer all the questions on the application form and make sure that all your answers are in the provided spaces. In the event that you have problems filling out the application forms, you should consult with the New York Food Stamp Program representatives at the local food stamp center.

The next step is to submit the application and copies of the required support documents at the local food stamp centre or via mail or fax to the food stamp centre.

The next step is to setup an interview where you will meet with a program representative, who will ask you questions, concerning your application. During the interview you will be required to provide documentation that proofs your identity, so you should remember to carry them. Some of the things that you need to bring to the interview include:

• Proof of Identity (e.g. Drivers license and Identity card)
• Proof of address such a house lease, gas or electric bill, or mortgage statement. However this does not apply to individuals who are homeless.
• Proof of shelter costs
• Those who are working or looking for work, need to provide proof child care expenses

Online Application

Another more convenient application method is to submit an online application. This method is convenient as all one needs is a computer and a reliable internet connection. You can fill the online application at a time and place of your convenience, such as from the comfort of your home.

You can access the online application form, by following this link:
https://otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/#snap

Application Assistance via Phone

You can request for the application form for the program by calling your nearest food stamp centre through the following number: 718-557-1399. By calling the number you will get the chance to talk to a New York Food Stamp program representative who will guide you through the application process.