Eligibility

• The state of New York uses your gross monthly income to determine your food stamp eligibility. A caseworker may use your annual gross income, or monthly gross income, in addition to any social security you receive to calculate your benefit amount. As of January 1, 2008, New York no longer considers assets like stocks or retirement when calculating food stamp need.
  
  

Application

• You must fill out an application for food stamps by visiting the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or picking up an application at a local office. After you submit your application, you will be contacted for an interview. You must have an in-person interview, unless you are elderly, disabled or prohibited from attending because of work. The state allows telephone interviews for food stamps, or you may designate an individual to apply on your behalf.
  
  

Allowable Purchases

• You may purchase a number of foods with your New York food stamps to support your household. However, the state specifies that some items are not allowable purchases, including alcohol, cigarettes, nonfood items, medicine, and "hot foods." You may purchase soft drinks with your food stamps, as well as energy drinks. You cannot buy live animals with food stamps.
  
  

Citizenship

• Certain non-citizens of the United States may receive food stamps if they meet specified criteria. If you are a refugee from another country, an honorably discharged U.S. veteran, an alien on active duty with the U.S. military, or a qualified child of an alien under the age 18, you may receive food stamps from the state of New York.
  
  

Recertification

• If you are a current recipient of food stamps in the state of New York, and are not currently enrolled in a Temporary Assistance program with the state, you may renew your food stamp benefits via telephone. New York implemented this method of renewal to make the process easier on recipients who may need the time for job searching, work, or other matters.