RT: Important update regarding the administration of SNAP benefits in NYC

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We are writing to you today to share important information about the administration of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) here in New York City in the context of the ongoing federal government shutdown. As you are aware, the administration of this program is managed by the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS).

Like you, we at DSS share deep concerns about the shutdown, and in particular, its impact on our city’s most vulnerable residents, including those facing poverty and hunger. We have been carefully monitoring the situation and have been in close contact with our state and federal partners regarding the administration of SNAP benefits.

While the situation is fluid and information continues to arrive daily, please find a brief overview regarding the administration of SNAP benefits as of today below.
Current SNAP recipients who are eligible to receive February benefits will be receiving this benefit.

For most New York City SNAP recipients, their February benefits will have posted to their accounts yesterday, Thursday, January 17, 2019.
For the remainder of New York City SNAP recipients, their benefits will post on their regularly-scheduled benefits availability date.

We advise recipients that if they see a larger-than-anticipated benefit amount posted to their accounts, this amount includes their February benefit. An additional benefit will not be available in the calendar month of February.

We strongly encourage recipients to check their balances carefully and budget wisely.
In New York City, SNAP recipients can manage their account by downloading our ACCESS HRA app or by going online to nyc.gov/accesshra and creating an account. If they have additional questions, we ask that they call the Human Resources Administration’s (HRA) InfoLine, at 718-557-1399.

To communicate this important information to clients, we are e-mailing them, have posted updates on our ACCESS HRA web and mobile platforms, are sending text message updates, and we have been updating all of our social media platforms and our website. Our website features this important information in several different languages, as well.

We encourage you and your constituents to follow us on social media, specifically on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, which are all channels on which we post important information about benefits access. Checking our accounts on these platforms is a fast and easy way to remain up-to-date.

Under the leadership of Mayor de Blasio, we at DSS continue to advocate on behalf of all New Yorkers facing poverty and homelessness. On behalf of our 16,000-strong workforce, we thank you for the incredibly important work you do every day to advocate on behalf of your constituents, to support them in their times of need, and for your leadership on important issues facing our city.

Sincerely,


Steven Banks
Commissioner
NYC Department of Social Services

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