Do I qualify for SNAP in NYC? USDA makes changes to benefit rules
Do I qualify for SNAP in NYC? USDA makes changes to benefit rules
Amethyst Martinez, NorthJersey.comMon, May 11, 2026 at 8:31 AM UTC
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Do I qualify for SNAP in NYC? USDA makes changes to benefit rules
There are more than 1.7 million people in New York City who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
And as the program undergoes new restrictions and requirements for retailers, some may be wondering if they qualify for food assistance.
Here's some information on who qualifies for the benefits in New York and federal changes that the program has undergone.
What changes are happening to the SNAP program in New York?
This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture officials announced that retailers must meet stricter requirements in order to keep accepting SNAP benefits.
According to the USDA, stores must now have seven varieties of items across four categories: protein, grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables.
"This change more than doubles the requirement of available foods, emphasizes more whole foods, increases the perishable food requirements, and eliminates loopholes that for too long have allowed retailers to count certain snack foods toward their staple food requirements," a May 7 release said of the change.
"These changes will not only ensure vulnerable families in need have more nutritious options wherever they shop but demand more accountability from retailers who not only have stocked the bare minimum, but have seen the most program violations."
This is one of the many changes the program has undergone in recent months.
Last year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed, which plans to cut SNAP funding approximately $187 billion over the next 10 years — or 20% — according to Harvard Kennedy School's faculty research.
Under the act, changes were made to work requirements, who qualifies and what food can be purchased through the program.
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Approximately 3 million New Yorkers in the state were on the SNAP program in August, according to a release by the governor's office at the time.
In the release, it was estimated that more than 300,000 households in the state could lose some or all of their benefits amid the changes, particularly because of the work requirements. Approximately 41,000 noncitizens in New York state were also estimated to lose their food benefits because of the new restrictions.
Who qualifies for SNAP benefits in New York?
In general, the only way to confirm if your household is eligible for benefits to apply. Although the state lays out some guidelines, the benefits can vary on circumstances.
For each household, a SNAP budget is determined while applying, which will ultimately decide if the person meets the requirements and how much money they will receive.
NYC offers a tool that helps you determine if your household qualifies, which can be found at nyc.gov, and residents can apply here.
Here are some guidelines laid out by the state, though they don't guarantee eligibility.
SNAP qualifications for those without earned income (no member 60 years or older nor disabled member):
Family size of one, an annual gross income of $20,352 or less.
Family size of two, an annual gross income of $27,504 or less.
Family size of three, an annual gross income of $34,656 or less.
Family size of four, an annual gross income of $41,796 or less.
Family size of five, an annual gross income of $48,948 or less.
Family size of six, an annual gross income of $56,100 or less.
SNAP qualifications for those with earned income (no member 60 years or older nor disabled member):
Family size of one, an annual gross income of $23,484 or less.
Family size of two, an annual gross income of $31,728 or less.
Family size of three, an annual gross income of $39,984 or less.
Family size of four, an annual gross income of $48,228 or less.
Family size of five, an annual gross income of $56,484 or less.
Family size of six, an annual gross income of $64,728 or less.
Amethyst Martinez is the NYC Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Do I qualify for SNAP in NYC? USDA makes changes to benefit rules
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