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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in a press release Feb. 10 that all New Yorkers receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will receive the maximum level for food benefits — $835 for a family of four and $1,504 for a family of eight — in February.

Households already receiving the maximum benefits will receive a minimum of $95 as a supplemental benefit, according to the release.

The supplement will add approximately $230 million in additional benefits for households qualifying for SNAP, according to the press release. Supplemental benefits in New York state totaled over $2.5 billion in 2021.

In April 2020, the New York state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance began to issue supplemental benefits only to households not at the maximum level for benefits, the release reads.

“The pandemic continues to exacerbate food insecurity throughout New York State, which is reflected by the large number of households that continue to rely on the lifeline that is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,” Hochul said in the release.

Food benefits through the SNAP program are essential to COVID-19 recovery and relief measures and efforts, Hochul said in the release.

Recipients outside of the New York City area received benefits before Feb. 17, and recipients from the New York City area should expect to receive their benefits by Feb. 25, the release read.

Jana Seal | Asst. Digital Editor

SNAP benefits function as digital currency, according to New York state’s website. Recipients can use SNAP benefits to purchase food as if they were using cash, the website reads. SNAP recipients can purchase cereals, breads, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products using their benefits.

Individuals looking to qualify for benefits can do so through the application portal on myBenefits. Local Departments of Social Services, like the Onondaga County DSS and Oneida County DSS in the Syracuse area and the SNAP office will determine eligibility, according to Benefits.gov.

Some retailers near Syracuse University accepting SNAP benefits include Syracuse Corner Market, CVS Pharmacy at 700 S Crouse Ave., Toomey Abbott Market, Hithams Pop Shop and Westcott Groceries.

Published on February 21, 2022 at 8:49 pm

Contact Jana: jlseal@syr.edu | @JanaLoSeal