On May 19, 2024, New York's EBT system will be changing over to a new EBT vendor.  Cardholder access to EBT benefits will not be available during the changeover. This includes access for food and cash purchases or cash withdrawals, as well as access to the EBT toll-free customer service helpline, mobile app, and online client [...]

The NYS OTDA received a special waiver from the USDA to waive certain SNAP overpayment claims that resulted from the pandemic. Specifically, these overpayments:  Occurred during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) from March 13, 2020, through September 30, 2023;  Were the result of either a misunderstanding or unintended error on the part of an applicant or recipient. [...]

Households now have the ability to lock their EBT card.  The lock feature will prevent benefits (Cash Assistance, SNAP, & HEAP), from being accessed, as well as prevent purchases, balance inquiries and most other transactions until the card is unlocked.The NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA) released this new feature as a tool to [...]

Updated Income Guidelines and Increase in Benefit AmountsClick here for a full chart of the updated income guidelines for the SNAP program in NYS effective October 1, 2023. In addition, the maximum SNAP benefit amount, the shelter cap, as well as the homeless deduction have increased, see these changes on our SNAP Budget Worksheet.Our free SNAP [...]