Are you eligible for these programs?

  • SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program used to be called Food Stamps. You may be working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. SNAP benefits can help you put food on the table. The SNAP Program issues monthly benefits that can be used to buy food at approved retail food stores. SNAP benefits help low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Go to http://www.mybenefits.ny.gov for more information.
  • WIC: WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutritious foods including low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, as well as breastfeeding support or formula to low-income pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age five. Visit http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/nutrition/wic/ for more information.
  • School Breakfast and Lunch Programs: The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs are federal programs providing free, reduced-price or full-priced breakfast and lunch at participating schools throughout New York State. The meals are the same for all children regardless of payment category, and schools are not allowed to label students who get free or reduced-price meals. To find out more, visit http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/workingfamilies/schoollunch.asp.
  • Temporary Assistance: Temporary Assistance (TA) is temporary help for needy men, women and children. If you are unable to work, can't find a job, or your job does not pay enough, TA may be able to help you pay for your expenses. Visit http://otda.ny.gov/main/programs/temporary-assistance/#what for more information.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a program for New Yorkers who can't afford to pay for medical care. Visit http://www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/ for more information.
  • HEAP: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that can help pay a household's energy bills. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat related energy emergency. Additionally, HEAP offers a furnace repair and/or replacement benefit for households with heating equipment that doesn't work. Visit http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/ for more information.


Looking for one-stop shopping for information? Go to https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/selfservice/ for links to these and other programs.