Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Update
January 16, 2010
OTDA has taken advantage of a federal option to expand New York’s Transitional Benefits Alternative (TBA) program, which provides transitional food stamps to households with children who are leaving temporary assistance (TA). TBA is an enhanced food stamp benefit provided for 5 months after the date of the TA case closing. Read More

"SNAP" - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
November 2, 2009
Annual Changes Effective October 1st - The annual income thresholds increased as of October 1, 2009, however, the maximum allotments have not changed. Read More

Food Stamp Budget Worksheets
September 17, 2009
Food Stamp Budget Worksheet Effective October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. Read More

NYS Increases Food Stamp Income Threshold for Child Care Households
August 13, 2009
Last year, as part of federal food stamp reauthorization, Congress removed the cap on the food stamp dependent care deduction - meaning that households can deduct the full amount of their out-of-pocket dependent care costs. Read More

Food Stamp News Briefs - December 2008
December 1, 2008
Standard utility allowance to increase, USDA Lifts 50 Percent Cap on Face-to-Face Interview Waivers, USDA Memo Regarding Income Verification by Undocumented Immigrants, OTDA Issues ADM on Farm Bill Reauthorization Changes. Read More

Food Stamp News Brief - October 2008
Food Stamp (aka "SNAP" updates)
October 1, 2008
The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) recently reminded local social service districts about federal food stamp requirements governing the scheduling of interviews, as well as the notice procedures for households who miss their interview. Read More

Food Stamps News Brief - August 2008
August 1, 2008
OTDA clarifies fleeing means "fleeing"; HEAP Plan revision: $1 of HEAP equals more food stamps; Adoption subsidies and Foster Care payments count as income. Read More

No More Food Stamp Program - Now it's SNAP!
August 1, 2008
The Food Stamp Program has a new name – the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Read More

NYS Implements Two Major Initiatives in January 2008 Improve Access to Food Stamps
February 1, 2008
January 2008 ushered in two big changes to the Food Stamp Program in New York State – changes which improve access to food stamp benefits and simplify program administration. The first change, which expands categorical eligibility, eliminates the resource test for almost all food stamp households. The second, the Working Families Initiative, is designed to make it easier for low-income working families to access the Food Stamp Program. Both components were announced last year by Governor Spitzer as part of his initiative to improve food stamp access for working families. Read More

USDA Food Stamp Award $$$ Available to Local Districts
October 1, 2007
OTDA recently received a $9.8 million performance bonus award from USDA for payment accuracy improvements in the Food Stamp Program. Read More