SNAP News and Updates

COVID-19 SNAP Interview Waivers Extended Through June 30, 2022

Through the end of June, SNAP offices are not required to interview a new or recertifying household if the applicant’s identity has been verified and other mandatory information has been provided and validated. Interview waivers also apply to new SNAP applications that are eligible for expedited processing. For more information, please see the SNAP section of our COVID-19 page.

COVID-19 Emergency Allotments Going to All SNAP Households in May

Emergency Allotments (EA) will be issued to all SNAP households in New York State in May. Distribution began on May 9 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, please see the SNAP section of our COVID-19 page.

Pandemic Food Assistance to Multi-generational Households

On April 23, 2022, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) issued one-time cash payments for food assistance to SNAP and Temporary Assistance (TA) households that include at least one adult who is age 55 or older and at least one child who is age 17 or younger. These households received $730 per eligible older adult.

Funds must be accessed and withdrawn before July 23 to keep the account active and open. With each cash withdrawal, the remainder of the payment is renewed for another 90 days. The recipient must make another withdrawal by the 90-day mark or the remaining benefit will be removed from the account. Please encourage eligible families to access and use their benefits before they expire. Read the full update on our COVID-19 page and see the notice sent to households who received these supplemental payments.

Connecting Afghan Evacuees to SNAP

Since the U.S. withdrawal of military forces from Afghanistan last summer, about 1,800 Afghans have arrived or will arrive in New York State. As resettlement efforts continue in communities around the state, Hunger Solutions New York has released new information to help community-based organizations understand how SNAP rules apply to Afghan evacuees. Read more on our website.

ICYMI: Join the SNAP & Seniors Professional Network

Our recent SNAP & Seniors Professional Network event reviewed the rules and requirements for different programs to help seniors access SNAP in New York State. If you missed the event or would like to revisit the discussion, you can still watch the video and view the presentation slides.

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. It is open to any individual or organization that serves the senior population. Learn more at SNAPandSeniorsNY.org or sign-up here to receive updates. If you're already a member, please spread the word to your colleagues.

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