Estimate your monthly food assistance benefits in New York City
1 Person
2 People
3 People
4 People
5 People
6 People
7 People
8 People
I pay for Heating or Cooling (SUA)
I pay for Utilities, but NOT Heating/Cooling (LUA)
I pay for Phone only (DUA)
Utilities included in rent/No costs
No
Yes
*Note: This is an unofficial estimate based on 2023-2024 NYC HRA guidelines. Final determination must be made by the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS).
How SNAP Eligibility Works in NYC
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits to low-income New Yorkers to purchase groceries. In New York City, eligibility is primarily determined by your household size and gross monthly income.
For most households in NYC, the gross income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) if the household has earned income or includes a child/senior. If the household has no earned income and no senior/disabled members, the limit may be 130% FPL.
NYC SNAP Monthly Income Limits (2024)
Household Size
Gross Monthly Limit (200% FPL)
Max Monthly Benefit
1
$2,510
$291
2
$3,407
$535
3
$4,303
$766
4
$5,200
$973
5
$6,097
$1,155
Critical Deductions in NYC
Once you pass the gross income test, the HRA calculates your "Net Income" to determine the benefit amount. Key deductions include:
Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your gross wages are excluded.
Standard Deduction: A flat amount based on household size ($198 for 1-3 people).
Excess Shelter Deduction: This includes rent/mortgage and the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). In NYC, the SUA for 2024 is $991 if you pay for heating/cooling.
Dependent Care: Costs for child care while working or attending training.
How to Apply in New York City
You can apply for SNAP benefits online through the Access HRA website or mobile app. You can also visit a local SNAP center or mail a paper application to the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA). Residents of the five boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island) generally receive their benefits on an EBT card which can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers' markets.
function calculateSNAP() {
var hSize = parseInt(document.getElementById('householdSize').value);
var gross = parseFloat(document.getElementById('grossIncome').value) || 0;
var rent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('rentCost').value) || 0;
var utilType = document.getElementById('utilityType').value;
var isVulnerable = document.getElementById('isVulnerable').value;
var childCare = parseFloat(document.getElementById('childCare').value) || 0;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('snap-result');
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
// 2024 NYC Gross Income Limits (200% FPL)
var limits = [0, 2510, 3407, 4303, 5200, 6097, 6993, 7890, 8787];
var maxBenefits = [0, 291, 535, 766, 973, 1155, 1386, 1532, 1751];
var stdDeductions = [0, 198, 198, 198, 208, 244, 279, 279, 279];
var limit = hSize <= 8 ? limits[hSize] : limits[8] + ((hSize – 8) * 897);
var maxBen = hSize <= 8 ? maxBenefits[hSize] : maxBenefits[8] + ((hSize – 8) * 219);
var stdDed = hSize limit) {
resultDiv.className = 'not-eligible';
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Result: Likely IneligibleYour gross monthly income of $" + gross.toFixed(2) + " exceeds the NYC limit of $" + limit.toFixed(2) + " for a household of " + hSize + ".";
return;
}
// Net Income Calculation (Simplified approximation of HRA math)
var earnedIncomeDed = gross * 0.20;
var adjIncome = gross – earnedIncomeDed – stdDed – childCare;
// Utility Allowance NYC
var sua = 0;
if (utilType === 'sua') sua = 991;
else if (utilType === 'lua') sua = 375;
else if (utilType === 'dua') sua = 31;
var shelterCost = rent + sua;
var halfAdjIncome = adjIncome / 2;
var excessShelter = Math.max(0, shelterCost – halfAdjIncome);
// Shelter cap for non-vulnerable
if (isVulnerable === 'no') {
excessShelter = Math.min(excessShelter, 672);
}
var netIncome = Math.max(0, adjIncome – excessShelter);
// SNAP Calculation: Max Benefit – (30% of Net Income)
var estimate = maxBen – (netIncome * 0.3);
// Minimum benefit for 1-2 person households
if (estimate < 23 && hSize <= 2 && gross 0) {
resultDiv.className = 'eligible';
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Result: Likely Eligible!" +
"Estimated Monthly Benefit: $" + Math.round(estimate) + "" +
"Based on your household size of " + hSize + ", you are within the gross income limits for NYC. " +
"To receive these benefits, apply via Access HRA online or visit a local NYC HRA office.";
} else {
resultDiv.className = 'not-eligible';
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Result: Likely Ineligible for Benefits" +
"While you pass the gross income test, your calculated 'Net Income' is too high to receive a monthly benefit after deductions. You may still want to apply if you have high medical costs (for seniors) or other circumstances.";
}
}