Can you get EBT while on unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
I just started receiving unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor about 3 weeks ago and I'm wondering if I can also apply for EBT (food stamps). My weekly benefit amount is $320 but that's barely covering my rent and utilities. I have two kids and groceries are getting really expensive. Does anyone know if being on unemployment disqualifies you from getting EBT or if the unemployment payments count against the income limits? I tried looking on the website but it's confusing.
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KaiEsmeralda
Yes, you can definitely apply for EBT while receiving unemployment! Your unemployment benefits do count as income for SNAP eligibility purposes, but the income limits are pretty reasonable especially with kids. For a household of 3, the gross income limit is around $2,694 per month. Your $320 weekly unemployment ($1,387 monthly) should put you well within the limits. You'll need to apply through the myBenefits website or local social services office.
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Millie Long
•Thank you so much! That's really helpful. Do you know how long the application process usually takes?
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Debra Bai
I got approved for EBT while on unemployment last year. Took about 2 weeks to get the decision and they backdated it to when I applied. Just make sure you report your unemployment income accurately on the application.
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Gabriel Freeman
One thing to keep in mind - if your unemployment runs out or gets reduced, make sure to report that change to social services right away. It could actually increase your EBT benefits since your income would be lower. Also, if you're having trouble reaching anyone at social services by phone, I had good luck using Claimyr to get through to them. They have a service at claimyr.com that helped me connect with a caseworker when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works.
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Millie Long
•Good to know about reporting changes! I'll check out that Claimyr thing too, thanks for the tip.
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Laura Lopez
Wait I'm confused - doesn't being on unemployment mean you have too much income for food stamps? I thought those programs were for people with NO income??
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KaiEsmeralda
•No, that's a common misconception. SNAP (food stamps) has income limits but they're designed to help working families and people on unemployment too. You don't have to be completely destitute to qualify.
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Victoria Brown
Been there! Applied for EBT when I was on unemployment in 2023. Got approved for about $400/month for me and my daughter. The unemployment definitely counted as income but it wasn't enough to disqualify us. The application asks for all your income sources including unemployment benefits.
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Samuel Robinson
Just a heads up - make sure you keep good records of your unemployment payments for the EBT application. They'll want to see your benefit statements from NYS Department of Labor showing exactly how much you're getting each week.
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