Nearly 3 million people needed food stamps in New York State in December, 2010.
The first food stamp program in the United States began in New York in 1939. At the time, participants actually bought colored stamps to exchange for food, and the first user was Rochester resident named Mabel McFiggin. The original program was short-lived, but national food assistance became permanent with the passing of the Food Stamp Act of 1964. Food stamp benefits are funded by the federal government but administered by the states. New York State's Food Stamp Program is managed by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Citizenship and Residency
Applicants for food stamps in New York must be residents of the state. They must also be United States citizens, or legal immigrants who have lived in the country for at least five years. Immigrant children, however, are potentially eligible regardless of when they entered the United States.
Income Guidelines
A household cannot exceed certain monthly income limits and remain eligible for the food stamp program. The income limits are generally based on the current federal poverty guidelines. New York has several different income limits, which depend on whether or not a household has disabled or elderly members or children. The maximum income level for a household with children and/or elderly or disabled members is higher than that for households without them. As of 2011, the maximum gross monthly income a two-person household with no dependent care expenses, elderly or disabled individuals was $1,570, while the maximum for a two-person household with these members was $2,428.
Asset Test
Unlike many other states, New York does not apply an asset test to most households applying for food stamps. If a member of the household has been previously sanctioned or disqualified from the program, the household will be subject to the asset test. In addition, households with elderly or disabled members which exceed the maximum monthly income limits may still qualify for food stamps in New York if their assets do not exceed a certain level. In 2011, this asset limit was $3,000.
Expedited Food Stamps
New York households in dire financial need may apply for expedited food stamps, which will be available within five days. In order to qualify for expedited benefits, a household's immediate expenses for rent, mortgage, utilities and child care must be more than its monthly income. Individuals or households which have earned less than $150 during the past 30 days and have less than $100 in cash may also apply for emergency, expedited food stamps.
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