NYS: $234 million in additional food assistance for December

All SNAP households to receive at least the maximum level of food benefits for month

√ Supplemental food benefits expected to continue through February

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday announced all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for December. All households participating in SNAP – including those already at the maximum level of benefits – will receive a supplemental allotment this month, resulting in a roughly $234 million infusion of federal funding into the New York state economy.

"These additional benefits have continued to help struggling New Yorkers keep themselves and their families fed throughout the pandemic, and now in the face of higher grocery prices due to global inflation," Hochul said. "The $234 million for SNAP will provide relief to New Yorkers in need during the holiday season and cold winter months when household budgets are especially strained."

The emergency assistance supplement will be provided to all households receiving SNAP, a federally funded program overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). All households, including those already receiving the maximum benefit for the household's size and households that formerly would have received a monthly supplement of less than $95, will receive a supplement of at least $95.

SNAP households in all counties outside of New York City should see these extra benefits post by Thursday, Dec. 22. Those SNAP households in New York City should see their benefits post by Wednesday, Dec. 28.

OTDA began issuing the emergency supplemental benefits in April 2020 to those SNAP households receiving less than the maximum monthly benefit amount. When New York state's emergency declaration expired in June 2021, the agency successfully worked with the federal government to secure the maximum allotment for all SNAP households until the expiration of the federal declaration of a public health emergency, which was extended until January and will enable OTDA to continue issuing these benefits through February.

Hochul’s team said, “New Yorkers continue to rely heavily on SNAP, with more than 1.6 million households – including more than 2.8 million New Yorkers – throughout the state enrolled in the program in October. While SNAP recipients statewide were flat compared to September, they were up 2.2% over October 2021, highlighting the continuing demand for these critical benefits.”

OTDA Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "These added food benefits are welcome relief for countless families and individuals across our state. We will continue to look for ways to maximize federal dollars in order to reduce food insecurity and bring assistance to those in need."

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat said, "Expanding the monthly allocation to the maximum level will give families the boost and support they need and deserve, and a little breathing room as they enter the holiday season with friends, families and loved ones. SNAP is a vital resource in our efforts to combat food insecurity in communities around the nation, and I'm proud to help deliver this federal funding to our state."

U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle said, "We must work every day to uplift the most vulnerable in our community and eliminate the barriers that prevent them from thriving. I'm proud to have delivered this federal funding for SNAP benefits, and I'm grateful to Gov. Hochul for making this supplemental emergency assistance available to families."

Hochul’s team said, “SNAP plays an important role in New York's ongoing economic recovery, and has injected more than $2 billion into the state's economy since January. Every federal dollar invested by SNAP generates up to $1.54 in economic activity, according to a federal study quantifying the impact of SNAP on the U.S. economy.

“These supplemental benefits are also a critical lifeline for New Yorkers in need, as about 14% of the state's population relied on SNAP benefits last year, according to a recent study. More than half of recipient households were families with children, and about 48% included an adult over the age of 55 or a person with a disability.

“As with the prior months, the payments will be delivered directly to recipients' existing Electronic Benefit Transfer accounts and can be accessed with their existing EBT cards. Like regular SNAP benefits, the supplemental benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. Any unused SNAP benefits will automatically carry over to the following month.”

Find more information on the emergency supplemental SNAP benefits, including answers to frequently asked questions, here. New Yorkers interested in enrolling can check their SNAP eligibility, as well as apply online, by visiting mybenefits.ny.gov.