Expedited SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, formerly known as food stamps)

What Is Expedited SNAP?

Expedited SNAP provides faster processing of a SNAP application for certain households. If you meet the eligibility guidelines for expedited SNAP, you will receive SNAP benefits as soon as practicable. The Department of Social Services (DSS) must make expedited SNAP benefits available by the seventh calendar day after you filed your application.

Who Is Eligible For Expedited Snap?

You may be eligible for expedited SNAP if you meet one of the following:

  • Your household has $100 or less in liquid resources and less than $150 in gross monthly income. (Liquid resources are money that is available to you, such as cash on hand, bank accounts, savings certificates, and lump-sum payments such as tax refunds, retroactive lump-sum Social Security, SSI, or Public Assistance payments).
  • You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker household with $100 or less in liquid resources and
    • you have not received any income since you applied for SNAP (and any other income you received during the month of application was from a source which has been terminated) or
    • your only income for the month is from a new source, and no more than $25 of gross income will be received within 10 calendar days after you apply for SNAP
  • Your household’s monthly income and liquid resources together are less than the total of your monthly rent or mortgage and heating costs and utilities (electricity, telephone, and water).
How Do I Apply For Expedited SNAP?

You can create an account and apply online at https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin or go to your local Department of Social Services office. Find your county’s office at https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/dss.asp. Tell the receptionist that you are in need of Expedited SNAP. You will need to complete an application and interview for SNAP benefits.
DSS must verify your identity. You may verify your identity by producing documents such as a driver’s license; a work or school ID; wage stubs; or a birth certificate. Another person who is not in your household, such as employers, community action groups, service agencies, or neighbors may also give a statement to verify your identity.

You will be asked to provide a social security number (SSN) for each person in the household. If you do not have one, you will be asked to apply for an SSN before the second full month you receive SNAP (or, in the case of a newborn, within six months following the month the baby was born). DSS will also ask to verify your residency, income status, liquid resources and all other factors required for eligibility. You should not be denied expedited SNAP just because you cannot provide written proof of these items within 7 days.

What If I Cannot Get To The Department Of Social Services To Apply?

If you can’t travel for medical reasons or because you do not have transportation, you can call DSS and ask them to waive the face-to-face interview. If they agree, your application information can be taken over the telephone, and the application will be mailed to you for your signature. It is important that you mail back the application as soon as possible, because the processing period will not begin until the signed application is received by DSS.

You can also appoint a representative to go to DSS and apply for Expedited SNAP for you.

What Happens Next?

If you are eligible, you should receive your SNAP benefits within 7 calendar days. DSS should let you know what you still need to verify for ongoing benefits and give you a deadline for returning the verification so your SNAP benefits can continue.

What If I Have No Food?

If you have no food, ask DSS for an immediate referral to a food pantry. You can also check online at https://regionalfoodbank.net/find-nearest-agency/, call the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s Membership Department at 518-786-3691, or send an email to [email protected] with your address and ask for the food pantry nearest you.

What If I Have Trouble Getting Expedited SNAP?

You may be entitled to an expedited appeal (called a “fair hearing”) if you have trouble receiving Expedited SNAP. If you are not allowed to apply for Expedited SNAP or are denied, please feel free to call us for help.