SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget and help them afford nutritious food. In January 2025, nearly 3 million New Yorkers received $655.9 million of SNAP benefits for the month and approximately $7.35 billion total benefits in FFY 2024. SNAP, the nation’s largest food assistance program, is instrumental in the fight against hunger. As reported by the Office of the State Comptroller, 11.3 percent of New York households suffered from food insecurity in 2020 to 2022.

In New York State, SNAP is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Eligibility and benefits are based on income and family size. Maximum benefits range from $292 for a household of one to $1,756 for a household of eight, with an additional $220 per person for each additional household member above eight.

In January 2025, 61 percent of SNAP recipients were in New York City (1.8 million) and received $423.9 million in benefits for the month. Outside of New York City, Erie (142,028), Monroe (108,714), and Suffolk (130,456) Counties had over 100,000 recipients each, receiving monthly benefits totaling $28.3, $22.4 and $28.7 million respectively.

NYS SNAP Monthly Recipients and Benefits, January 2015 - January 2025

Source: OTDA