Can you get food stamps while on NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits?
I've been collecting unemployment from NYS Department of Labor for about 6 weeks now and my benefits are only $315 per week. Between rent and utilities I'm barely making it and I'm wondering if I can apply for SNAP benefits (food stamps) while still getting UI payments? I tried looking online but everything is confusing about whether unemployment counts as income for food stamp eligibility. Has anyone here applied for food stamps while on unemployment? Did you have any issues getting approved?
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Diego Mendoza
Yes, you can absolutely apply for SNAP while receiving unemployment benefits. Unemployment income does count toward your total income for SNAP eligibility, but the income limits are higher than many people think. For a single person household in 2025, you can make up to about $1,580 per month gross income and still qualify. Your $315 weekly unemployment ($1,260/month) would likely make you eligible. You apply through the myBenefits.ny.gov website.
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Chloe Wilson
•Thank you! I didn't realize the income limit was that high. Do they count the unemployment as earned income or unearned income? I'm worried they might have different rules.
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Anastasia Romanov
i got food stamps while on unemployment last year, no problems at all. just had to show them my unemployment award letter from NYS Department of Labor and they processed it pretty quick. took like 2 weeks i think?
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StellarSurfer
The key thing is to apply as soon as possible because SNAP benefits start from when you apply, not when you're approved. You'll need your NYS Department of Labor monetary determination letter showing your weekly benefit amount, and they'll ask about any other income sources. Since you're already receiving UI, the application should be straightforward. Make sure to report any changes in your unemployment status to the SNAP office if your benefits end or change.
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Sean Kelly
•Wait, do you have to report when your unemployment runs out? I thought food stamps were separate from unemployment benefits?
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StellarSurfer
•You have to report any income changes to SNAP within 10 days. So if your unemployment benefits end, you need to tell them because your income went down, which might actually increase your SNAP benefits.
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Zara Malik
I had trouble reaching someone at the local SNAP office to ask questions about my application when I was on unemployment. Kept getting busy signals and when I did get through they put me on hold forever. If you need to talk to someone about your case quickly, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get through to the right people. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling around.
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Luca Greco
•interesting, never heard of that before. did they charge you anything for helping you get through?
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Nia Thompson
just wanted to say good luck with the application! being on unemployment is stressful enough without worrying about food. the system is there to help people in situations exactly like yours.
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Teresa Boyd
Just to add some specifics that might help - when you apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov, make sure you have your Social Security card, ID, and that unemployment award letter ready to upload. The system will ask you to verify your identity, so having all your documents ready speeds things up. Also, if you qualify, you might be eligible for expedited processing (benefits within 7 days) since your income is pretty low. Worth asking about when you apply!
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Marcus Patterson
•This is really helpful info about the expedited processing! I had no idea that was even an option. With only $315/week coming in, I'm definitely struggling to afford groceries right now. Do you know if there's a specific income threshold for expedited benefits or is it more case-by-case? I'm going to gather all those documents you mentioned and apply this week.
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