Can you apply for food stamps and unemployment benefits at the same time in NY?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for both! They're completely separate programs - unemployment is through NYS Department of Labor and SNAP is through local social services. Having one doesn't affect the other. In fact, many people need both when they lose their job. Just make sure to report your unemployment benefits as income when you apply for SNAP.

I did both when I got laid off in March. The unemployment application on the NYS Department of Labor website is pretty straightforward, and you can apply for SNAP online too through ACCESS NY. Just keep track of all your paperwork because both programs will want verification of your employment history and income.

Be prepared for the SNAP interview - they're gonna ask about your unemployment benefits once you start receiving them. But like others said, it's totally normal to have both. The restaurant industry is tough and these programs exist to help people exactly in your situation.

I was in the same boat last year - laid off from food service and needed both programs. One thing to keep in mind is that when you start getting your unemployment payments, you'll need to report that income to SNAP within 10 days. It might reduce your food stamp amount but you won't lose them completely. If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.

just apply for both dont overthink it. thousands of people do it every day

I went through this exact situation when I lost my job at a diner in Brooklyn. You can definitely apply for both - they're completely separate systems and won't interfere with each other. I'd suggest applying for unemployment first since that process can take longer, then hit up the SNAP application right after. Make sure you have all your recent pay stubs and your separation notice from work ready for both applications. The unemployment website can be glitchy sometimes, so try applying early in the morning or late at night when there's less traffic. Hang in there - these programs are there to help you get back on your feet!

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago when my restaurant closed down unexpectedly. You absolutely can and should apply for both! The key thing I learned is that unemployment benefits count as income for SNAP, but it doesn't disqualify you - it just affects the amount you receive. When I was getting $300/week in unemployment, my SNAP benefits were reduced but I still got about $180/month in food assistance, which was a huge help. Don't wait to apply for either one - the sooner you file for unemployment, the sooner your benefit year starts. And with SNAP, even if your unemployment gets approved later, you can get benefits based on your current situation. Both programs understand that people lose jobs and need temporary help - that's exactly what they're designed for.

I was in your exact shoes about a year ago when I got laid off from a restaurant in Queens. Yes, you can absolutely apply for both at the same time! Here's what worked for me: I applied for unemployment on a Tuesday morning around 7 AM when the NYS DOL website was less busy, and then did my SNAP application through ACCESS NY the same day. The key thing to remember is that when your unemployment kicks in, you'll need to report it to SNAP within 10 days, but it won't cut you off completely - just might reduce your food stamp amount. Keep all your paperwork organized (last pay stub, termination letter, etc.) because both programs will ask for similar documents. Don't stress too much about messing something up - both agencies deal with laid-off restaurant workers all the time and the caseworkers understand the situation. You've got this!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now after getting laid off from my job at a café in Manhattan. Reading through everyone's responses has been so reassuring - I had no idea you could apply for both programs simultaneously! I've been putting off applying because I was worried about making mistakes, but it sounds like these are pretty common situations that the agencies handle regularly. Quick question for those who've been through this: should I wait until I have my final paycheck before applying, or can I start the applications now? I'm supposed to get my last check this Friday but I'm anxious to get the process started. Also, has anyone had experience with the SNAP phone interview - any tips on what to expect or how to prepare? Thanks so much to everyone sharing their experiences, it's making this whole process feel way less intimidating!