Governor Kathy Hochul announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive the maximum level of food benefits for October.
All households participating in SNAP, even those who have already reached maximum benefits, will receive supplemental benefits this month.
The supplement will result in the infusion of about $230 million of federal funding into the state’s economy.
“During this unprecedented time as we continue to battle a public health crisis, we need to make sure every New Yorker does not have to experience hunger and food insecurity,” said Gov. Hochul. ”By supporting food benefits during this difficult time, we are helping to ensure that everyone in this state gets a much-needed helping hand so they can make ends meet, support themselves and their families, and be successful.”
The emergency assistance supplement will go to households that do not usually receive the maximum amount of SNAP benefits each month.
Households that are already near or at the maximum benefit level will receive a supplemental payment of at least $98, according to a statement from Gov. Hochul.
SNAp households in all counties outside of New York City should see the benefits starting this week through Thursday, Oct. 21.
The payments will be delivered directly to recipients’ existing Electronic Benefit Transfer accounts and can be accessed with existing EBT cards.
The supplemental benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized stores. Any unused benefits will be carried over to the following month.
As of August 2021, there were over 2.79 million SNAP recipients in the state.
“In addition to bringing much-needed relief to food-insecure families and individuals throughout the state, these added benefits are providing a welcome boost to our local retailers,” said OTDA Executive Deputy Commissioner Barbara Guinn. “We will continue to work with Governor Hochul and the federal government to ensure these benefits continue to help New Yorkers during this time of need.”
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