If food costs are putting pressure on your household, SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) may be able to help. It’s one of the largest federal food assistance programs in the country, and if you want a broader overview of how it works, Feeding Westchester has a helpful primer on SNAP basics. This guide focuses specifically on how SNAP works in New York, what’s changed recently, and how Westchester County residents can apply.
New York has broader SNAP eligibility than many other states. Most households only need to pass a single gross income test to qualify.
Gross income limits (as of October 2025) by household size:
New York does not have an asset test for most households, meaning savings accounts, retirement funds, and similar resources are generally not counted against eligibility.
Special eligibility notes:
SNAP underwent significant changes in 2025 that affect some recipients. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, made the largest cuts to the program in its history. Over the next decade, these changes are projected to reduce SNAP funding nationally by $186 billion, with more than 300,000 New York households potentially losing some or all of their benefits.
Key changes include:
New work requirements for ABAWDs. Starting November 1, 2025, “Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents” (adults aged 18 to 64 who are able to work and have no dependents under 14) are required to meet work, job training, or volunteer requirements to maintain benefits beyond a limited period. If you received a notice about ABAWD status, contact your local Department of Social Services to understand your specific situation.
Benefit calculation changes. The law altered how SNAP benefit amounts are calculated going forward, with benefits now adjusting only for general inflation rather than the more comprehensive Thrifty Food Plan updates. Over time, this means benefits will not keep pace with actual food costs.
LIHEAP interaction. Some households that receive LIHEAP (heating and cooling assistance) and do not have a member over 60 or with a disability may see benefit changes as of late 2025.
If you are currently receiving SNAP and received notices about these changes, the Westchester County Department of Social Services can help clarify your situation. Call DSS at (914) 995-3333 or visit a district office.
There are multiple ways to apply:
After submitting your application, you may be scheduled for an eligibility interview. Have documentation of income, household composition, and expenses ready. If your household has little or no income and urgent need, you may qualify for expedited SNAP, with benefits issued within five days of applying.
You can pre-screen your likely eligibility before applying at otda.ny.gov/programs/snap.
SNAP is one tool, but not the only one. Feeding Westchester operates a network of more than 300 partner programs across the county, including food pantries, mobile food pantries, fresh produce markets, and meal programs, available to any Westchester resident facing food insecurity regardless of SNAP status.
You can find food assistance near you through Feeding Westchester’s programs page. The Mobile Food Pantry brings fresh food directly to communities across the county on a weekly schedule, with no documentation required to access it.
If you want to help neighbors who are navigating food insecurity and program changes like these, consider volunteering or making a donation to Feeding Westchester. Every resource added to the network matters more now than before.
Due to weather conditions, our office will be closed on Monday, February 23. We have coordinated with our partners and made the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our work across Westchester.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our offices are closed today, January 19. Food donation drop-off remains open, and your support helps ensure neighbors across Westchester have access to fresh, healthy food.
