Navigating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New York City can be straightforward when you understand how to manage your benefits effectively. Your SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, providing crucial food assistance for individuals and families. Here’s what you need to know to utilize your SNAP benefits and maintain your case in NYC.
Your SNAP benefits are readily available on your EBT card for your immediate use. These benefits roll over month to month, offering flexibility in managing your food budget. However, it’s important to be aware of the inactivity policy: if you do not use your SNAP benefits for 274 consecutive days, any remaining balance will be removed from your card. Unfortunately, once benefits are removed due to inactivity, they cannot be reissued, so regular use is key.
Understanding and Submitting Your SNAP Periodic Report
The SNAP Periodic Report is a critical document to maintain your benefits. If you receive this report, timely submission is mandatory to prevent interruption of your SNAP benefits and potential case closure. This report also serves as an opportunity to inform the Human Resources Administration (HRA) of any address changes, ensuring you receive all important communications.
Submitting your Periodic Report is convenient and can be done through several methods:
Online: The most efficient way to submit your report is through the ACCESS HRA website or via the ACCESS HRA Mobile App. These online platforms offer a user-friendly interface for managing your case details.
By Mail: Alternatively, you can mail your completed Periodic Report to:
SNAPP.O. Box 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202
In Person: For those who prefer in-person assistance, you can visit any SNAP Walk-in Customer Service center. Find a convenient SNAP Walk-in Customer Service Center near you.
Reporting Changes to Your Active SNAP Case
Life circumstances can change, and it’s essential to keep your SNAP case information current. If you are currently receiving SNAP benefits and experience job loss or income changes, you must submit a Case Change request. This can be easily done through the ACCESS HRA website. There’s no need to file a new application or visit an office for these updates. You will need to provide documentation to verify the reported change, which can be uploaded using the Document Upload feature on the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.
However, if your SNAP benefit recertification is due within 75 days, you should include any changes as part of your recertification process. During this period, the ACCESS HRA website will prevent you from submitting a separate Case Change request, as changes will be handled within your recertification.
Learn more about acceptable documents and submission methods for SNAP benefits.
Maintaining Up-to-Date Contact Information
Keeping your contact information current with HRA is crucial for receiving important updates and notifications regarding your SNAP benefits. The quickest and most direct method to view and update your case information is through the ACCESS HRA website or mobile app.
Besides the online options, you can also update your information via:
Online: Utilize the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App for immediate updates.
By Fax: You can fax updates to (917) 639-2544.
By Mail: Send updates to:
SNAPP.O. Box 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202
In Person: Visit any SNAP Walk-in Customer Service center to update your information in person. Locate a SNAP Walk-in Customer Service Center near you.
Staying informed and proactive in managing your SNAP benefits ensures continuous support and access to essential food resources in New York City. For additional assistance and information on various social services, including resources that may be helpful for caregivers, you can also utilize NYC’s 311 service as a directory to connect with relevant programs and support in the city.
