Do I qualify for food stamps if I get NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits?
Hey everyone, I'm currently receiving unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor (about $320 weekly) and I'm wondering if I can also apply for SNAP benefits? My rent is $900/month and after utilities I'm barely making it. I heard some people say you can't get both but others told me you can. Does anyone know the actual rules? I'm single with no kids if that matters. Really need help figuring this out because groceries are getting expensive.
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Landon Morgan
Yes, you can definitely qualify for SNAP while receiving unemployment benefits! UI payments count as income but they often don't put you over the income limits, especially if you're getting the minimum weekly benefit amount. For a single person household in 2025, the gross monthly income limit is around $1,580. Your $320/week ($1,386/month) should qualify you. You'll need to apply through the NYS myBenefits website.
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Ellie Perry
AuthorThank you so much! I had no idea the income limit was that high. Do I need to report my unemployment when I apply for SNAP?
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Teresa Boyd
I got approved for food stamps while on unemployment last year. Just make sure you report your UI benefits accurately when you apply - they'll verify it anyway. The process took about 3 weeks for me. Also keep in mind if your unemployment runs out, you'll need to update SNAP about the income change.
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Lourdes Fox
Did they make you do the ABAWD work requirements even though you were already doing job search for unemployment?
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Teresa Boyd
No, if you're actively looking for work and reporting it to NYS Department of Labor for your weekly claims, that usually satisfies the SNAP work requirements too.
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Bruno Simmons
this is confusing because my friend said they got denied for food stamps because of unemployment money?? maybe the rules changed or something
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Landon Morgan
It depends on how much unemployment they were getting and their household size. Someone getting the maximum UI benefit might be over the income limits, especially if they have other income sources.
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Aileen Rodriguez
I've been trying to get through to the SNAP office for weeks about this exact question! The phone lines are always busy and their website chat never works. This is almost as frustrating as trying to reach NYS Department of Labor when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Has anyone found a better way to get answers about benefit eligibility?
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Teresa Boyd
For quick SNAP questions, try calling early morning right when they open. For NYS Department of Labor issues though, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling when I needed to check my claim status.
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Aileen Rodriguez
Interesting, never heard of that. Does it actually work or is it one of those scam things?
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Teresa Boyd
It's legit - they basically handle the waiting on hold part for you and then connect you when an agent picks up. Much better than sitting on hold for 2+ hours like I was doing.
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Zane Gray
just apply online and see what happens, worst they can say is no right?
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Liam O'Sullivan
@Ellie Perry, definitely apply! I was in a similar situation last year - getting about $350/week in unemployment and qualified for SNAP no problem. Like others mentioned, your UI income counts but $320/week is well under the limits for a single person. One tip: when you apply through myBenefits, have your unemployment determination letter ready since they'll want to see your exact weekly benefit amount. Also, if you're having trouble with rent at $900/month, you might want to look into emergency rental assistance programs too - there are still some COVID relief funds available in certain counties. The whole process was actually easier than dealing with unemployment claims!
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Lily Young
I was in almost the exact same situation a few months ago - getting about $340/week in unemployment and struggling with groceries. Definitely apply for SNAP! The income limits are pretty reasonable for single people, and your $320/week should easily qualify you. When I applied through the myBenefits website, it took about 2.5 weeks to get approved and I ended up getting $194/month in food benefits, which honestly made a huge difference. Just make sure you have your unemployment determination letter handy when you apply - they'll want to see your exact weekly benefit amount. Also, don't let the online application intimidate you - it's actually more straightforward than the unemployment system! One tip: if you get stuck during the application process, try calling the SNAP hotline early in the morning right when they open at 8am - much shorter wait times than later in the day.
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Yuki Tanaka
@Lily Young This is exactly what I needed to hear! I m'new to navigating all these benefit systems and honestly felt pretty overwhelmed about applying for SNAP on top of dealing with unemployment. Your experience gives me hope that it s'actually manageable. $194/month would be a game changer for my grocery budget right now. Quick question - when you mention the determination letter, is that the same document that shows your weekly benefit amount that you got when your unemployment claim was first approved? I want to make sure I m'looking for the right paperwork before I start the application. Thanks for the tip about calling early too - I ve'learned the hard way that timing makes a huge difference with these government phone lines!
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NeonNova
@Yuki Tanaka Yes, that s'exactly the right document! The determination letter is what you get from NYS DOL when your unemployment claim gets approved - it shows your weekly benefit amount, how long your benefits will last, and other key details. It s'usually sent to your online account and also mailed to you. If you can t'find the original, you can log into your NY.gov unemployment account and download a copy from there. The SNAP office just needs to verify your exact benefit amount, so having that letter makes the process much smoother. Good luck with your application - it really does make a difference!
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