New Yorkers receiving SNAP benefits will see a significant boost in their food budgets this December, thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement of maximum food stamp allotments. This crucial assistance arrives as families grapple with increased grocery costs and the financial pressures of the holiday season. Every SNAP household, even those already receiving the maximum amount, will receive a supplemental payment, injecting an estimated $234 million in federal funds into New York State’s economy.
“These additional SNAP benefits are a vital lifeline for New Yorkers, helping them to afford nutritious food for themselves and their families,” Governor Hochul stated. “This $234 million infusion of federal SNAP funding will provide crucial support to families across New York State, especially during the holiday season and the winter months when household expenses are typically higher.”
This emergency food assistance supplement will be automatically distributed to all households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federally funded initiative overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Crucially, this December supplement ensures that every SNAP household will receive at least $95, even those who previously received less than this amount as a monthly supplement, or are already at the maximum benefit level for their household size.
For SNAP recipients residing outside of New York City, these supplemental benefits were expected to be posted by Thursday, December 22nd. New York City SNAP households should have seen these payments reflected in their accounts by Wednesday, December 28th. These timely payments aim to alleviate food insecurity during a period of heightened need.
The emergency supplemental SNAP benefits were initially implemented by OTDA in April 2020 to support households receiving less than the maximum monthly benefit. Following the expiration of New York State’s emergency declaration in June 2021, OTDA successfully advocated for maximum SNAP allotments for all recipients. This commitment to food security continues through February, thanks to the extension of the federal public health emergency declaration until January.
The SNAP program remains a critical support system for a large number of New Yorkers. In October, over 1.6 million households, encompassing more than 2.8 million individuals throughout the state, were enrolled in SNAP. While statewide SNAP enrollment figures remained stable compared to September, there was a 2.2 percent increase compared to October 2021, underscoring the ongoing demand for food assistance programs.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz emphasized, “These additional food benefits are a welcome and essential resource for countless New York families and individuals. We are dedicated to maximizing federal resources to combat food insecurity and provide assistance to those who need it most.”
Senator Charles Schumer highlighted the importance of federal support, stating, “Ensuring every New Yorker has access to nutritious food is a fundamental priority. That’s why I championed the historic expansion of the SNAP program during the pandemic through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan. This additional federal funding for December SNAP payments will provide a vital boost to struggling families, helping them put food on the table. SNAP is a lifeline for so many in New York, and I will continue to fight for the federal resources needed to ensure no one goes hungry.”
Representative Adriano Espaillat added, “Expanding SNAP benefits to the maximum level in December provides families with the crucial support they need, offering some financial relief as they celebrate the holiday season with loved ones. SNAP is a cornerstone in our fight against food insecurity nationwide, and I am proud to have helped secure this federal funding for our state.”
Representative Grace Meng remarked, “The supplemental SNAP funds for December are incredibly important for countless families across New York, particularly during the holiday season. I commend Governor Hochul’s efforts and remain committed to strengthening SNAP in Congress, including through my legislation to allow SNAP benefits to be used for hot and prepared foods.”
Representative Joe Morelle concluded, “We must consistently work to support our most vulnerable communities and remove barriers to their well-being. I am proud to have secured this federal funding for SNAP benefits and commend Governor Hochul for making this emergency supplemental assistance available to families in need.”
SNAP not only provides essential food assistance but also plays a significant role in New York’s economic vitality. Since January, SNAP has injected over $2 billion into the state’s economy. According to a federal study, every federal dollar invested in SNAP generates up to $1.54 in economic activity, demonstrating the program’s broader positive impact.
These supplemental SNAP benefits are a critical safety net for New Yorkers, with approximately 14 percent of the state’s population relying on SNAP last year, according to a recent study. More than half of SNAP recipient households include families with children, and about 48 percent include a senior adult over 55 or an individual with a disability, highlighting the program’s reach across diverse populations in need.
Similar to previous months, the December SNAP payments are directly deposited into recipients’ existing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts and accessible using their EBT cards. These benefits can be used to purchase groceries at authorized food retailers, just like regular SNAP benefits. Any unused SNAP funds automatically roll over to the next month, providing continued flexibility for recipients.
For further details regarding the emergency supplemental SNAP benefits, including frequently asked questions, please visit https://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19/Frequently-Asked-Questions.asp. New Yorkers interested in applying for SNAP can check their eligibility and submit an online application at https://mybenefits.ny.gov.
