SNAP Application Frequently Asked Questions
Submitting an Application
SNAP Application and Recertification Kit
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply for SNAP benefits. Every person, regardless of their citizenship status or their income, is allowed to apply for SNAP benefits.
Do I need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to be eligible for benefits?
Generally, to be eligible for SNAP benefits, you and all of the members of your household must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or show proof of having applied for one. If you have an SSN, you can enter it when completing your application on ACCESS HRA or provide us with the number when you speak with a worker to process your application. ACCESS HRA keeps all of your information private and secure.

If you are applying for SNAP benefits on behalf of your children and you are undocumented, you do not need to apply for a SSN, and unfavorable actions cannot be taken against the eligible members of your household. Your children (unless undocumented) must have a valid SSN or show proof of having applied for one to be eligible for SNAP benefits.

What if I don't have a SSN?
If you are applying for SNAP benefits but do not have a SSN, you may still qualify for benefits. A worker will discuss your options for benefits during your interview to process your application. You can learn how to apply for a SSN here: Social Security Number And Card
Will my immigration status impact my eligibility?
You can apply for and get SNAP benefits for eligible household member(s) even if you or some other members of your household are not eligible for benefits because of immigration status.

For example, ineligible non-citizens or undocumented parents can apply for and receive SNAP benefits for their eligible children even if the parent is ineligible.

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits if you are a United States (U.S.) citizen, a noncitizen U.S. national (person born in American Samoa or Swain Island), or a in a Qualified Alien Status (such as a Refugee).
What is a “SNAP household”?
Generally, a “SNAP household” consists of everyone who buys food and prepares meals together. People don’t have to be part of the same family to be in the same SNAP household.

However, people who are part of the same family, or other certain individuals, often must be included in the same SNAP household even if they do not buy food and prepare meals together.

Examples include:
  • Spouses living together;
  • Persons under 22 years old who are the children of a household member;
  • Children under 18 who are under the parental control of a household member.
A household could be any of the following:
  • An individual living alone,
  • An individual living with others but buying food and preparing meals separately;
  • A group of individuals who live together and buy food and prepare meals together for a majority of meals a month

NOTE: If you live with a roommate and do not buy food and prepare meals together, please list your roommate on your application and enter “No” in the Household Information section for the question “Does he/she buy and prepare food with you?”

NOTE: An individual away from the household for military assignment is not counted as a member of the SNAP household.
What is an authorized representative?
An authorized representative is someone who knows your household circumstances and can apply for SNAP benefits for you. You can authorize someone outside your household to get SNAP benefits for you and allow them to buy food for you with your SNAP benefit card (EBT Card). If you would like to authorize someone, you must do so in writing.

Note: All representatives must be authorized in writing by the applicant/recipient or other responsible adult member of the household.

It is recommended, but not required, that all applicants/recipients use this form Authorized Representative Form when designating an authorized representative for purposes of applying for or accessing their SNAP benefits.

What will the application ask?
The application will ask questions about:
  • The people that live in your home, including their age, relationship to you, and immigration status.
  • The money your household members earn from working at a job or from self-employment.
  • The money your household members receive from other sources, including money they receive from Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Benefits, Child Support, or Supplemental Security Income.
  • The bills and expenses your household pays each month including rent or mortgage payments, electricity, heat, child care or medical bills (paid or unpaid).
  • The resources that are available to your household members, including cash on hand and bank accounts.
  • If any of the household members are enrolled in an institution of higher learning, like college, employment training program, business, or vocational school.
You will be asked to provide proof of some of the answers you have given. Please see the FAQ about documentation requirements for more detail.
Is the online SNAP application different from the paper SNAP application?
  • The questions may be asked differently online than on the paper form, but the same information will be required in all cases.
  • Eligibility is determined by the Human Resources Administration (HRA), whether you submit an online application or paper application.
  • The same procedure at HRA is used for applications whether they are submitted online or through the mail.
What are the advantages of submitting a completed application online?
The advantages of submitting a completed application online are:
  • It should save you time during your interview with the Human Resources Administration (HRA) worker. By providing more information in your online application now, your HRA worker may have fewer questions to ask you later.
  • You can start your online application and save it until you are ready to complete and submit it.

Please note that the sooner you submit a completed application, the sooner your application will be reviewed and a decision can be made.

Your application file date, which determines the date that benefits are issued from (if determined eligible) will be registered as the day you submit your application.
What is the minimum amount of information required to submit my application?
The minimum amount of information you must provide to submit your application is:
  • Your name
  • Your address (if you have one)
  • Your electronic signature

This information will establish your application filing date. In most instances, if you are determined eligible for SNAP benefits, the benefits will be issued from the date the agency received your application. However, the application process must be completed and we must interview you to determine your eligibility.

Note: You should fill out as much of the application as you can before submitting it, it should reduce the amount of time needed to conduct your eligibility interview with a Human Resources Administration (HRA) worker.
What are the advantages of completing the ‘Verify your Identity’ questions?
If you correctly complete the “Verify your Identity” questions, the Human Resources Administration (HRA) can immediately confirm the identity of the head of household / primary contact, and you will not need to submit documents (for example: social security card or birth certificate) to prove their identity after you submit your application.
What does it mean to 'Set your Filing Date'?
Your Filing date is set on the day you electronically sign and submit your application to the Human Resources Administration (HRA). If you are eligible for SNAP benefits, they will be issued as of the filing date.

If you submit your online application after normal business hours, your filing date will be the next business day.

You are allowed to submit your application and set your filing date even if you have not completed the entire application. Please keep in mind that we cannot determine your eligibility until you provide all the information and the required documentation.
What changes do I need to report to SNAP and when do I have to report them?

Click here for this information.
Next Steps/ Completing the Eligibility Process
What happens after my application is submitted?
  • When you submit your application and electronically sign it, your application will be sent to the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
  • Your application will be reviewed by an HRA worker.
  • An HRA worker will call you to schedule a telephone or in-person interview within 2-5 business days; please be sure to be available for this important call.
  • Once your application is submitted, ACCESS HRA does not have access to the status of your application.
How can I complete my interview? What if I miss my interview call? What if I need to reschedule my interview?
If you were given a date and time frame for your interview:
A worker will call you to complete your telephone interview. Many times applicants may miss the telephone interview because it comes from an unfamiliar number and they do not answer the call. Please expect the call to come from an unfamiliar number and try to answer during the 2-5 days after you submit your application.

If you miss your interview or you need to reschedule for other reasons, you can contact the Human Resources Administration (HRA) InfoLine at 718-557-1399.
If you were told to call a specific number for your interview:
If you received a message from HRA indicating that you should call us for an interview, please follow those instructions as we will not be calling you to schedule the interview.

Please note: Not all clients are currently eligible to call us for their interview, so only call if you receive the specific message after you submit your online application or if you are told to do so on an official notice from New York State or HRA.
How will I complete my SNAP interview?
Before you can receive benefits, you will need to complete your interview with a worker over the phone or in person. After your application is received, the Human Resources Administration (HRA) will contact you to set up an interview appointment.

You will be asked to provide contact information and best times for a worker to contact you. It is important to provide phone numbers that you can be contacted at so that you can be notified of your appointment date and time in a timely manner. Please let us know before the date of the interview if your phone number changes after you have scheduled your interview.

To update the phone number we have on file for your case, please call the HRA InfoLine at 718-557-1399.
How can I submit documents for my eligibility?
After you submit your application, a list of documents you may need to provide the Human Resources Administration (HRA) will be shown. This list may be different for each household, depending on what information you provided in your application.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Documentation Guide (W-129G) provides a detailed list of documents you can use to verify the information you provided in your application.

You can submit documents for eligibility by fax, at a SNAP Center, mobile app upload, at a Community Based Organization, or by mail.

  • HRA Mobile Documentation Upload

    • Enter the website below in your smartphone or tablet’s browser to submit documents:
    www.nyc.gov/accesshramobile

  • Fax

    • Bronx & Queens: 917-639-1113

    Brooklyn, Manhattan & Staten Island: 917-639-2544

  • SNAP Center.

    • Click on the link below to find the SNAP Center closest to you:
    SNAP Center locations

  • Community Based Organization

    • Click on the link below to find a community based organization close to you:
    Community Based Organizations

  • Mail

    • If you would like to mail your documents to HRA, please send copies of your documents to:

    Brooklyn: P.O. Box 380886, Brooklyn NY 11238-9811

    Bronx & Queens: P.O. Box 19088, Long Island City NY 11101-9773

    Manhattan & Staten Island: P.O. Box 19088, Long Island City, NY 11101-9773

    Please remember to submit copies of your documents and do not send originals.

A document receipt will be mailed to you once your documents are processed by HRA.
Do I have to work in order to get benefits?
Starting in 2016, some people may need to meet the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) work rules. If this applies to you, you must meet the ABAWD work rules for more than three (3) months in thirty-six (36) months to receive benefits. A Human Resources Administration (HRA) orker can discuss the details of work requirements during your interview.

In addition, there are situations where individuals are subject to the Voluntary Quit provisions.
Am I eligible for Expedited Processing?
You may be qualified to receive Expedited SNAP benefits (sometimes referred to as E-SNAP benefits) within 5 calendar days of the day you apply for benefits:
  • If your household has little or no income or resources, or
  • If your rent and utility expenses are more than your income and resources, or
  • You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker with little or no income or resources when you apply.

Your circumstances will be reviewed to see if you qualify for expedited processing of your SNAP benefits application. A process is in place to ensure that benefits will be issued in a timely manner to all households who qualify to receive benefits under the expedited processing rules.
How soon will I get my benefits?
  • Each application is reviewed to see if a household qualifies for expedited processing. Please note: Even if you qualify for expedited processing, you may not qualify for a SNAP benefit.
  • Before you can receive benefits, you must have an interview with a Human Resources Administration (HRA) worker so they can begin to figure out what benefits you are qualified to receive.
  • If you qualify for expedited processing and are determined eligible for benefits, you may receive a one-time expedited benefit, pending ongoing approval, within 5 calendar days from the date your application is filed.
For example: if you filed your application on April 1st, the 5-day period will begin April 2nd and if approved for expedited processing and determined eligible for benefits you will receive an allotment of benefits by April 6th. This allotment will usually last for one-month.
Note: In many instances, the initial issuance under the expedited processing rules will cover more than one month.
  • By law, HRA must give you an answer about your on-going application for benefits within 30 days of the day after your filing date.
    For example: if you filed your application on April 1st, the 30-day period will begin April 2nd and you will be told whether your application has been approved or denied by May 1st.
Inquiries/ Check Status
How can I see the most up to date information on my application(s) and cases?
You can check the status of your application on ACCESS HRA. On your Home screen, click the “View My Cases” button.

If you have not linked your ACCESS HRA account with your Human Resources Administration (HRA) case, you will be asked to provide the primary contact’s Date of Birth and their Social Security Number or Client Identification Number (CIN). This will allow HRA to locate your history.

You can view all of your SNAP and Cash Assistance cases for the last 12 months. Click on the “Show Info” link next to each case to get details for the status, upcoming appointments, and any next steps you’ll need to take to complete the application or recertification process.

On the phone, you can contact Infoline at 718-557-1399 if you have questions about the status of your application or recertification.

You can also go into a local SNAP center and request information about your case.
Can I receive text messages or emails about my application or case?
Yes you can!

If you opt-in to receiving text messages and/or emails about your application, and you provide accurate email and cell phone information, you can receive emails and/or text messages about your application and upcoming due dates.

Emails: First, you will be sent an email from us asking you to confirm your email address. After opening that email and clicking on the link, your email address will be confirmed in our system and you will start receiving emails about your application or case. We will never share your email address or send confidential case information over email.

Texts: If you wish to receive text messages about your application or case, please provide a contact number where we can send text messages. Please note that text message rates from your telephone company may apply.

You can update these preference at any time by logging into ACCESS HRA and then clicking on the drop down option; located at the top right section of the page, next to your username or email address and selecting 'Profile'. To edit your information, click the “Update” button on the 'Contact Information' section.
Can I see received notices online?

You can see what notices you recently received for your case by logging onto ACCESS HRA and selecting “E-notices” from the menu option. If you are enrolled in ‘Paperless notices’, you must read all notices issued to your case within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in your disenrollment in Paperless notices.

Please note: Not all notices for your case are shown on this page. Certain notices will only be received by mail at your ‘Mailing Address’ on file. In order to view a notice, click the ‘View Notice’ icon.

HRA will notify you when notices are posted to you ACCESS HRA account. Please note that you can update these preference at any time by logging into ACCESS HRA and then clicking on the drop down option; located at the top right section of the page, next to your username or email address and selecting 'Profile'. To edit your information, click the “Update” button on the 'Contact Information' section.

If you have not linked to your ACCESS HRA account with your Human Resources Administration (HRA) case, you will be presented with the “Find My Case” page where you will be asked to enter Date of Birth and Social Security Number OR Client Identification Number (CIN). This will allow HRA to locate your case information.
How long can I receive benefits?
  • There is no time limit to how long you can receive benefits.
  • You and your household members can receive benefits for as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and cooperate with the Human Resources Administration(HRA) program requirements.
  • You can still apply for SNAP benefits even if you have reached your Cash Assistance time limits.
If my application is denied, how soon can I apply again?
You have the right to reapply at any time.
How can I check the status of my SNAP application?

Online: You can check the status of your application on ACCESS HRA on your ‘Home’ page.

If you have not linked to your ACCESS HRA account with your Human Resources Administration (HRA) case, you will be presented with the “Find My Case” page where you will be asked to enter Date of Birth and Social Security Number OR Client Identification Number (CIN). This will allow HRA to locate your case information.

Case History: You can view all cases for the last 12 months, along with the status of each case by clicking on the “Benefits” menu option at the top of the page.

Case Details: You can view when your recertification is due, request a budget letter, household members on your case and more by clicking on the card with the “View Case” option.

On the Phone: Call Infoline at 718-557-1399 if you have additional question about your case.

In a Center: You can call or visit a Job Center and request information about your case.
What if I already submitted my application or recertification (by mail, fax, or online)?
There is no need to submit an application or recertification online if you have just recently submitted another application for the same program to Human Resources Administration (HRA). Someone from HRA will be contacting you to schedule an interview for your application or recertification. If you have already completed your interview, you will be notified whether you are eligible for benefits.

Please contact InfoLine at 718-557-1399 to find out the status of your application or recertification.
What if I have submitted an application in the past and withdrew that application, does that have a negative impact on my most current application?
Withdrawing a SNAP application does not have a negative impact on your current SNAP application. Applicants are free to withdraw and apply as many times as they deem necessary without penalty.
How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
Please follow the instructions found at http://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/ada.page. If you have additional questions, please contact Infoline at (718) 557-1399.
Where can I register to vote?
You can register to vote at any HRA Center or PC Bank. Ask any staff person in the PC Bank for a Voter Registration form, complete and sign it and drop it in the convenient basket. We will mail it to the Board of Elections for you. Or , if you prefer, you may print and mail the form from your own home as part of your submitted Application or Recertification. Complete and mail the form to the Board of Elections, 32 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10275-0067. If you would like to call the Board of Elections (www.vote.nyc.ny.us) for information, contact 866-VOTE-NYC; TTY 212-487-5496.