CARES/ARC has teamed up with Hunger Free NYC to offer in person Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application support for new and recertifying applicants and to offer general information about SNAP.  A representative will from Hunger Free NYC will be on campus starting Tuesday, February 6, 2024, accepting appointments from 10:00 AM through 4:00 PM. Sitting down with a SNAP specialist is the best way to get all your questions answered, so book your appointment and get the process started.

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors.

SNAP benefits can help you put healthy food on the table. SNAP monthly benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores.

SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a bank debit card or credit card. If you are eligible, an EBT account is set up for you, and every month your benefits will be deposited right into your account.

Eligibility

If your income (based on your family size) is less than or equal to the amounts pre-determined by the Human Resources Administration (HRA), you may be eligible for SNAP benefits.

• If your household’s gross income is below these amounts, it does not ensure that you will be eligible for a benefit.
• A SNAP budget must be calculated for your household in order to determine eligibility and benefit amount
• The only way to determine if your household is eligible for SNAP benefits is to apply.

What if I am a college student?

To participate in SNAP, a student, in college at least half time, must meet the income eligibility for SNAP and one of the following criteria:

• Be employed for an average of 20 hours per week and be paid for such employment or, if self-employed, be employed for an average of 20 hours per week and receive weekly earnings at least equal to the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours.
• Participate in a State or Federally financed work study program during the regular school year.
• Provide more than half the physical care for one or more dependent household members under the age of six or provide more than half the physical care of dependent household member who has reached the age of six but is under the age of 12 where adequate child care is not available.
• Enrolled full-time in an institution of higher education and is a single parent with responsibility for the care of a dependent child under age 12.
• Receive benefits from Family Assistance (FA) or federally-funded Safety Net Assistance (SNA).
• Receive Unemployment Benefits (UIB)
• Attend a SUNY or CUNY comprehensive college, technology college, or community college and are enrolled in a qualified career and technical education program.
• Attend any of the 10 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) in New York State and are enrolled in a career and technical education program, remedial course, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language.

How do I make an appointment?

If you have not already done so fill out our mandatory intake form. Click (here) and next, Email us at bcc.arc@bcc.cuny.edu to schedule your appointment. Once your appointment is confirmed you will receive a confirmation email. If you are not able to get an appointment in person do not worry, we can schedule you for a virtual appointment that is convenient for you; just let us know in your email that you would like a virtual appointment.

Additional in-person Dates:

• February 20^th
• March 5^th
• April 2^nd
• May 7^th

Appointments will be available from 10:00 AM through 4:00 PM and will take approximately one hour.

Virtual Dates:

February 14^th, 21^st and 28th

March 6^th , 13^th ,  20^th , and 27^th

April 3^rd 10^th , 17^th , and 24^th

May 1^st , 8^th , 15^th , and 22^nd

Appointments will be available from 10:00 AM Through 2:00 PM and will take approximately one hour.

What to bring to your appointment?

Here are a few things to bring to your appointment for each household member applying on your application: (More may be requested depending on your circumstances)

• Identification (ex. State issued id, passport)
• Proof of Residence (ex. lease, bank statement)
• Proof of Age (ex. Birth certificate)
• Social Security Number/card
• Proof of Citizenship/Immigration Status (ex. Green card, citizenship)
• Earned Income (ex. Paystubs, bank statement, w-9)
• Unearned Income (child support payment, SSI/D, unemployment, workers comp)

Don’t delay! Reach out to us for your appointment today. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Best,

Dawn Daniels, LCSW

Director of Counseling and Resources for Emergency Support (CARES)