Money to buy food

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Food Everyone

Get help paying for groceries with SNAP. SNAP benefits are sometimes called food stamps. They come on a debit card that you can use at many grocery stores and farmers markets.

  • You can apply for Cash Assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid Renewal all at the same time through the Cash Assistance application on ACCESS HRA.
  • If you are eligible, you will receive your benefits within 30 days.
  • You must be a US citizen or have satisfactory immigration status to receive SNAP.
  • You can allow someone who knows your household situation to apply for you.
  • You may have to complete an interview after you submit your application. An HRA worker will call you if they need more information.

Who is eligible

This program looks at several things to decide if you are eligible. They include:

  • how much money you earn
  • how much money you receive from benefits
  • how many people are in your house
  • your citizenship or immigration status

What you need to apply

See the SNAP document guide to see the documents you’ll need.


How to apply

There are many ways you can apply for SNAP:

  • Apply online using ACCESS HRA. You can apply for Cash Assistance, SNAP, and Medicaid Renewal all at the same time.
  • Apply in person at any SNAP Center or at a participating community-based organization (CBO).
  • If you are applying for Cash Assistance, you may apply for SNAP Benefits at the same time at an HRA Job Center.
  • Apply by mail or fax: download the application or call the HRA Infoline at 718-557-1399 to have an application mailed to you. Fax your competed application to 917-639-1111 or mail it to:
    Division of SNAP Services, Mail Application & Referral Unit (MARU)
    P.O. Box 24510
    Brooklyn, NY, 11201

How to get help

Other Food Programs

Food and Nutrition Info

NYC Department of Health

Tips for planning healthy meals

See nutrition tips and strategies for planning healthy meals on a budget.

Community Food Connection (CFC)

NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)

Food from pantries and community kitchens

Free food from food pantries and community kitchens.

Summer Meals

NYC Department of Education

Free summer meals for children and young adults

Get free breakfast or lunch at schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks near you during the summer.

Updated May 12, 2023