SNAP News and Policy Updates

COVID-19 Emergency Allotments Coming to All SNAP Households in February

Emergency Allotments (EA) will be issued to all SNAP households in New York State in February. Distribution began on February 7 and will continue throughout the month. SNAP Emergency Allotments are approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a month-by-month basis and will continue until the public health emergency is lifted in our nation. For more information about the distribution schedule and benefit amounts, please see the February 9 update to the SNAP section of our COVID-19 page.

Updated SNAP Prescreening Guide Now Available

Our SNAP Prescreening Guide is an invaluable tool to help community organizations determine if a household may qualify for SNAP, estimate monthly benefit amounts, and assist with the application and recertification process. The latest guide reflects policy updates and changes through September 2021, including recent adjustments to standards and deductions used to estimate benefits. Reorganized sections make it easy to find the information you need and incorporate future updates. Details about the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) will be added soon, and preparations are underway to launch an interactive web-based guide this spring. Watch your inbox for these and other updates to the guide. View, download or print this essential guide for anyone working with SNAP applicants or participants.

Join the SNAP & Seniors Professional Network

Sign up today for our SNAP and Seniors Professional Network, an initiative that aims to help service providers connect eligible seniors to SNAP. The Network is a one-stop shop for SNAP policy, best practices, outreach materials, and resources to help providers maximize SNAP for the seniors they serve. The Network is open to any individual or organization that serves the senior population. If you're already a member, please spread the word to your colleagues. Learn more at SNAPandSeniorsNY.org or sign-up here to receive updates. 

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