New York state announces February SNAP benefits being issued early due to federal government shutdown

Most New Yorkers receiving SNAP will get full February benefits by Jan. 17

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced most recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive their full February benefits early, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Current SNAP recipients may receive their February benefits by Thursday, Jan. 17.

In a press release, the state said, “Most recipients will receive their entire February benefit early, so it is important for SNAP recipients to budget accordingly considering the uncertainty caused by the federal shutdown.”

“New Yorkers receiving their February SNAP benefits early need to carefully plan their food budgets as this will need to last through the entire month,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts. “We will continue to work closely with our local partners to ensure that all SNAP recipients get their February benefits.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed states to issue full February benefits early. This not an “extra” or “bonus” benefit, and households will not receive a second benefit for the month of February.

Current SNAP recipients, due to receive February benefits, who do not receive their benefits as part of the early issuance, will receive them on Feb. 1.

For more information, visit otda.ny.gov.