SNAP Recertification Frequently Asked Questions
Submitting an Application
SNAP Application and Recertification Kit
Can someone that is not a member of my household apply on my behalf?
Yes, you may use an Authorized Representative to apply or recertify on your behalf.

If your household uses an Authorized Representative, we will confirm that this person is still allowed to act on your behalf. A new SNAP Authorized Representative Request Form (LDSS-4942) or written authorization from the Head of Household must be submitted if:
  • There is a new Authorized Representative;
  • The checkbox for either '€˜Recertification for SNAP benefits'€™ or '€˜All of the above'€™ was not checked on the last LDSS-4942 submitted; or
The last written authorization submitted did not include that the Authorized Representative was allowed to complete a SNAP recertification application for your household.
What will the recertification application ask?
In this recertification application, you will be asked to confirm and update information about the people in your home, your money and your bills.

We will show you information from your current case and ask you to confirm or update the information as needed.

The recertification application will ask you to confirm:
  • The people (household members) that are part of your case and still live in your home, including their age, relationship to you, and immigration status. It will also ask you to add anyone that has joined your household.
  • The money your household members currently 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, and Supplemental Security Income.
  • The bills and expenses your household pays each month including, but not limited to, rent or mortgage payments, electricity, heat, child care, child support, and medical bills.
  • The resources that are available to your household members, including cash they have on hand and bank accounts.
  • If any of the household members are enrolled in an institution of higher learning, like college, employment- training program, or business, or vocational school.
  • If your household uses an Authorized Representative, we will confirm that this person is still allowed to act on your behalf. A new SNAP Authorized Representative Request Form (LDSS-4942) or written authorization from the Head of Household must be submitted if:
  • There is a new Authorized Representative;
  • The checkbox for either '€˜Recertification for SNAP benefits'€™ or '€˜All of the above'€™ was not checked on the last LDSS-4942 submitted; or
The last written authorization submitted did not include that the Authorized Representative was allowed to complete a SNAP recertification application for your household.
What are the advantages of providing all your information on the recertification application?
The advantages of submitting a completed recertification application are:
  • It might save you time during your interview with your HRA worker. By providing more information now, your HRA worker might have fewer Answers to ask you later.
  • You can work on the recertification application at your own pace.
What happens after my recertification application is submitted?
  • When you electronically sign and submit your recertification application it will be sent to HRA.
  • Your recertification application will be reviewed by an HRA worker.
  • You must complete an interview with an HRA worker at least 10 days before your certification period ends to avoid a possible interruption to your benefits.
What documents will I be asked to provide?
After you submit your recertification application, a list of documents you may need to provide HRA will be shown.

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.
How soon will I know the decision for my recertification application and will there be an interruption to my benefits?
If your household is determined eligible for continuing benefits and you submitted your recertification application by the 15th of the last month of your certification period, you must receive a decision from HRA by the end of your current certification period.

For example : If your certification period expires on December 31st, and you submit your recertification application by December 13th, you must receive a decision from HRA by December 31st.

You may receive a decision sooner if you complete the recertification process (application, telephone interview and return of verification documents) before the 15th of the last month of your certification period.

To avoid an interruption to your benefits, you must complete the following:
  • Return your signed recertification to HRA.
  • Complete the required interview with an HRA worker at least 10 days before your certification period ends.
  • Return any verification documents requested during the interview. You will be given 10 days from the date of the interview to return the documentation. If you need help getting this verification, please let your interviewer know.
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There may be an interruption to your benefits if you submit your signed recertification application after the 15th of your expiration month.

For example : If your benefits expire on December 31st, you must submit your recertification application by December 15th to allow time for your interview and processing.

Your benefits will stop if you have not submitted your signed recertification application, completed the required interview, and returned missing verification documents by the last day of your current certification period.

For example : If your benefits expire on December 31st, you must submit your recertification application, complete the interview, and return all missing verification documents by December 31st.
Do I have to work in order to get benefits?
Currently there are no work requirements to receive benefits. However, if this were to change, an HRA worker would discuss the details of this during your eligibility interview.
How long can I receive benefits?
There is no 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 HRA program requirements.
If my recertification application is denied, how soon can I apply again?
You have the right to reapply at any time.
What if my Head of Household has changed?
If there has been a change to your Head of Household that was not previously reported to HRA, you will not be able to recertify online until the change is made to your current case.

Please contact HRA to report the change to your Head of Household and provide the necessary verification as requested. Once the change has been updated on your case, if you are still within your recertification period, you may start your recertification online.

You may also complete your recertification application using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application/Recertification (LDSS-4826) and report this change during the interview with your HRA worker.
Do I need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to be eligible for benefits?
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. This includes parents, applying caretakers, children and non-applying household members whose needs and income are considered in determining the amount of assistance granted to the household.

If you or a member of your household does not have a valid SSN, you can learn how to apply here: Social Security Number And Card
How soon will I know the decision for my recertification application?
If your household is determined eligible for continuing benefits and you submitted your recertification application by the 15th of the last month of your certification period, you must receive a decision from HRA by the end of your current certification period. For example: If your certification period expires on December 31st, and you submit your recertification application by December 13th, you must receive a decision from HRA by December 31st.

You may receive a decision sooner if you complete the recertification process (application, telephone interview and return of verification documents) before the 15th of the last month of your certification period.
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.
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.