How does SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps a variety of people in need, including students, older adults, people with disabilities, people and families who are either unemployed or underemployed, and veterans or active military members and their families.

Once enrolled in the program, an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is issued to your household that is to be used like a debit card. Benefits are issued monthly, and the funds can be used to purchase food that qualifies within the program.

Am I eligible to receive SNAP?

Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors. Additional links are below.



Guidelines for SNAP eligibility



New York State “My Benefits” homepage



SNAP Eligibility for Students



contact us

SNAP applications

A collection of SNAP resources, including applications in various languages, can be found on the website of New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Applications for SNAP can be accessed below.

all ages application

disabled or older adults application


 ABAWD Resources


New ABAWD requirements:

Anticipated changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are due to take effect March 1, impacting SNAP recipients who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). You can learn more about these changes – and how to keep your SNAP benefits – on the:

NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website.



Remember: Tell your local district if you earn more than $217.50/week before taxes (even if it is less than 20 hours/week of work). If you do, you are exempt from the ABAWD work rules.

Additional Workforce and Volunteer Opportuntities:

FeedMore WNY Free “RISE” workfore developement program



FeedMore WNY Volunteer Opportunities



Work Force Buffalo

visit an outreach for guidance

Each month, members of FeedMore WNY’s SNAP team provide public outreach events.


At the outreaches, members of our staff will be present to help people learn more about receiving assistance, including determining eligibility and applying for the program.



using your SNAP benefits

The federal Department of Agriculture oversees what items may be purchased with SNAP benefits. Its website lists the item categories.

In addition, the site also lists the types of retailers that accept SNAP benefits as payment. Click the below links for further information.

protecting and maintaining your account

Below are some links to assist you with your EBT Benefits Card and the account.

Also provided below are links for renewing your benefits and a Change Report Form to disclose a change of circumstances.

Additional Resources

Click on any of the below links to view recent or notable news articles regarding SNAP and other assistance programs.


USDA Scam Alerts




SNAP facts and myths compiled by the National Council on Aging




What to do if your benefits are stolen: How to protect your EBT card




JSY



SNAP-ed

contact us

If you have questions about your application status or active case, please reach out to your local Department of Social Services office. You can find these numbers for the respective counties below. For more information reach out to a member of the SNAP team!

Erie: 716-858-7239
Niagara: 716-278-8400
Chautauqua : 716-661-8200
Cattaraugus: 716-373-8065


erie county

Lauren Merriman MSW
SNAP Outreach Supervisor
100 James E. Casey Drive, Buffalo, NY 14206
716-822-2005 ext. 3052
F: 716-306-5573 lmerriman@feedmorewny.org


niagara county

Kristina Markey
Niagara County NOEP Coordinator
20 Lock Street, Lockport, NY 14094
P: 716-822-2005 x 3035
C: 716-430-7300
F:716-270-1745

kmarkey@feedmorewny.org


chautauqua county

Brooke S. Barone
Chautauqua County NOEP Coordinator
42 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701
P: 716-822-2005 x3105
C: 716-208-8688
F: 716-306-5603
bbarone@feedmorewny.org


cattaraugus county

Ann Fox
 Directions in Independent Living, Inc.
512 W. State St., Olean 14760
716-373-4602 ext. 8714
afox@oleanilc.org