SNAP and food help for older adults in New York

In short: If every adult in your home is 60 or older or disabled and no one has earnings from work, New York lets you use a shorter SNAP application (form LDSS-5166). You can be approved for up to 36 months and do not need a renewal interview unless you ask for one. Apply at myBenefits.ny.gov or your local Department of Social Services, or call 1-800-342-3009.

Who can use the shorter application

New York's Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) makes SNAP easier for older households. It started December 1, 2021. You can use it if:

  • every adult (18 or older) in your household is 60 or older, or disabled, and
  • no one in your household has any earnings from work.

Children under 18 can live with you. "Disabled" generally means you get SSI, Social Security Disability, or another permanent disability or blindness benefit.

If you live alone and get SSI, you may instead get SNAP through the New York State Combined Application Project (NYSCAP). People who qualify for both must use NYSCAP.

The SNAP income and benefit rules are the same with ESAP. Only the paperwork and the length of approval change.

What is different with ESAP

ESAP households
Application Shorter form, LDSS-5166 (you can also use any other SNAP application)
First interview Still required when you first apply
How long you are approved Up to 36 months
Renewal interview Not required, unless you ask for one or the office needs to check something
Housing and utility costs You can state them yourself without proof, unless something looks wrong

What you still need to prove

With ESAP, the office checks many things through computer matches, such as Social Security income, your Social Security number and date of birth. You still need to give:

  • proof of where you live
  • proof of your out-of-pocket medical costs
  • proof of income that is not from a federal or state program, such as a private pension
  • anything else the office says is unclear

Report your medical costs. For people 60 and older or disabled, medical costs you pay yourself can raise your SNAP benefit.

How to apply

  1. Choose how to apply:
    • Online: myBenefits.ny.gov (outside New York City). In New York City, use ACCESS HRA (access.nyc.gov).
    • On paper: ask your local Department of Social Services for the LDSS-5166 if your household qualifies for ESAP.
    • By phone: call the OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009 for help and to find your local office.
  2. Have your interview. Every new SNAP household has an interview when it first applies.
  3. Send the proof listed above.
  4. Wait for a decision and your notice.

After you apply

  • Renewals: ESAP households can go up to 36 months between renewals. You get a special ESAP notice when your approval is about to end, and you can renew with the LDSS-5166.
  • Changes: report the changes your approval notice tells you to report. If someone in your home starts working, your household no longer fits ESAP.
  • Appeals: if you disagree with a decision, you can ask for a fair hearing. Your notice tells you how and the deadline. Before the office denies a renewal, it must offer you an interview.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives low-income New Yorkers 60 and older coupons for fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

  • Who qualifies: New York residents 60 and older with income up to 185% of the poverty level.
  • Benefit: a booklet of coupons worth $25 in all.
  • When: the program starts July 1 each year. Coupons are given out first come, first served, so ask early.
  • Where to get them: outside New York City, your county Office for the Aging (call 1-800-342-9871 to find it). In New York City, the Department for the Aging or your local senior center; call 311.
  • Where to use them: participating farmers markets, farm stands and mobile markets, for local, fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Find markets at agriculture.ny.gov/farmers-markets-county.

More produce with SNAP

If you get SNAP, many markets give FreshConnect Checks. For every $2 in SNAP you exchange for market tokens, the market manager may give you a $2 FreshConnect check to spend on more food. Find markets that take SNAP at snaptomarket.com.

Senior meals and other help

Your county Office for the Aging can tell you about senior meal programs near you. NY Connects can help you find food and other services: call 1-800-342-9871 or visit nyconnects.ny.gov.

Things people often miss

  • Medical costs matter. Keep receipts for copays, prescriptions and premiums you pay.
  • The shorter form and longer approval are only for households where no one has earnings from work.

Free help

  • OTDA Hotline: 1-800-342-3009.
  • NY Connects: 1-800-342-9871.
  • Local offices for the aging: in New York City, call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469. Elsewhere, the Eldercare Locator can find yours: 1-800-677-1116.

See also SSI and all benefits in New York.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for New York agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18