The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families in New York. SNAP is administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). As of October 2022, over 1.6 million New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits to help purchase food.
If you receive SNAP benefits in New York, there are a few ways you can check the status of your benefits and account balance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the different methods for checking your SNAP benefits online, by phone, through the mobile app, and via your EBT card.
Ways to Check SNAP Benefits in NY
Here are the main ways to check your SNAP benefits and account balance in New York:
Online
You can check your SNAP case status and benefit information online through myBenefits. This online portal allows you to view your current SNAP balance, previous transactions, renewal status, and more. To log in, you’ll need to provide your date of birth, case number, and PIN.
Phone
Call the toll-free customer service number at 1-888-328-6399 to check your balance using the automated system. You’ll need to enter your EBT card number and PIN. Customer service agents are also available if you need help managing your case.
Mobile App
The myBenefits mobile app allows you to view your SNAP account on the go. Download the app and log in with your date of birth, case number, and PIN. The app shows your current balance and lets you view previous transactions.
EBT Card
You can check your SNAP balance by swiping your EBT card at any point-of-sale machine that accepts SNAP. This will display your current balance. You can also call the number on the back of your card to hear your balance.
How to Create an Online Account for myBenefits
Creating an online account with myBenefits gives you 24/7 access to check your SNAP benefits in New York. Follow these steps:
1. Visit the myBenefits Website
Go to www.mybenefits.ny.gov. This is the portal for managing your SNAP benefits online.
2. Click “Create New Account”
Select “Create New Account” in the upper right corner of the homepage. This will take you to the account creation page.
3. Enter Your Information
On the account creation page, you will need to enter the following:
– Your date of birth
– Social Security Number
– Case number
– Email address
– Mobile phone number (optional)
Make sure all information entered matches what OTDA has on file for you.
4. Create a Username and Password
Create a unique username and a secure password. This will allow you to log in to your account going forward. Make sure to pick a password that you can remember easily.
5. Select Security Questions
Select and answer three security questions. This adds an additional layer of security to your account. You’ll need to answer these questions correctly if you forget your password.
6. Accept Terms and Conditions
Read over and accept the website Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. This is required to create an account.
7. Verify Email Address
Check your email inbox for a verification link sent by myBenefits. Click the link to verify your email address and complete the registration.
Once your account is created, you’ll be able to log in anytime to view your SNAP case details, balance, and transactions. Make sure to keep your username, password, and PIN secure when accessing your account.
What Information is Available in myBenefits?
When you log in to your myBenefits account, you’ll be able to see the following SNAP details:
- Current SNAP balance
- Previous deposits into your account
- Transaction history of EBT purchases
- Date and amount of next scheduled benefit deposit
- SNAP recertification and renewal status
- Case notes and notifications from your case worker
This makes it easy to monitor your SNAP account and know when to expect your next deposit. You can also keep track of transaction history and spending patterns.
Mobile App Capabilities
The myBenefits mobile app provides the same information and account management capabilities as the website. In addition, the mobile app allows you to:
- Receive alerts for account milestones like renewals
- View EBT purchase history by store location on a map
- Save your digital EBT card in your smartphone wallet for easy access
- Scan product barcodes to track spending
Checking Balance by Phone
In addition to checking your balance online, you can also find out your current SNAP balance by calling the EBT Customer Service number at 1-888-328-6399.
Through Automated System
When you call the customer service line, select the “EBT Food Stamp Balance” option to enter the automated system. You will be prompted to enter your 16-digit EBT card number, followed by your 4-digit PIN.
The automated system will then state your current SNAP account balance, along with the date and amount of your most recent deposit.
With Customer Service Agent
For additional help, you can speak with an EBT customer service agent. After entering your card number and PIN, select the option to speak to a representative.
Let the agent know you are calling to check your SNAP balance in New York. They can provide your current balance, previous transaction details, and any other account information you need.
Checking Balance Through Mobile App
The myBenefits mobile app allows you to easily check your SNAP balance from your smartphone or tablet. Follow these steps:
1. Download App
Download the free myBenefits mobile app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Log In
Open the app and log in with your existing username, password, and PIN. Or, if it’s your first time, provide your date of birth, case number, and other details to create an account.
3. View Balance
Your current SNAP balance will display on the app dashboard. You can also click/tap on “Balance” to see balance details and transaction history.
4. Enable Notifications
In the app settings, you can enable push notifications to automatically alert you when new deposits occur.
5. Add Shortcut
Use your device settings to add a shortcut icon for the app on your home screen for quick access.
Checking Balance at Retailers
You can also check your remaining SNAP balance at any retailer or grocery store that accepts EBT cards in New York.
Here’s how:
1. Insert EBT Card
Insert your physical EBT card into the point-of-sale terminal at checkout.
2. Select Balance Inquiry
When prompted on the pinpad, select “Balance Inquiry” instead of entering your PIN.
3. View Balance
Your current SNAP food stamp balance will print on the register receipt.
This allows you to check your balance at no cost before deciding how much to spend on groceries.
Deposit Schedule for SNAP Benefits in NY
SNAP benefits are deposited monthly into accounts on a staggered schedule based on the last digit of your case number. Benefits are available by the following dates:
| Case Number Ends in | Benefits Available |
| 0, 1 | 1st through 9th of the month |
| 2, 3 | 2nd through 10th of the month |
| 4, 5 | 3rd through 11th of the month |
| 6, 7 | 4th through 12th of the month |
| 8, 9 | 5th through 13th of the month |
For example, if your case number ends in 7, your monthly benefit will be available to use on your EBT card starting on the 4th and through the 12th of each month.
Knowing the schedule ahead of time allows you to plan your grocery shopping and SNAP budgeting appropriately.
SNAP Balance Rollover
Any remaining SNAP balance will roll over month to month in your account. There is no limit on how long funds can remain in your EBT account. Benefits expire and are removed after 365 days of no spending activity.
So if you don’t use all of your benefits in a month, they remain available for you to access as needed in future months. The old balance will be used up first before the next month’s deposit is utilized.
Steps to Take If You Lost Your EBT Card
If you lose your EBT card, take the following steps as soon as possible:
1. Call to Report Lost Card
Contact EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-6399 to report your card lost or stolen. This will deactivate the card to prevent fraudulent use.
2. Request Replacement Card
Ask the customer service agent to issue you a free replacement EBT card. It will arrive by mail within 7-10 business days.
3. Update Contact Details
Make sure OTDA has your correct mailing address and phone number so you receive the new card.
4. Access Benefits
You can still access your benefits by calling the automated system or visiting myBenefits. Your balance remains available.
5. Activate Card
Once the replacement card arrives, call the number on the back to activate it, then create a new PIN you can remember.
Conclusion
Checking your SNAP balance regularly is important to monitor your monthly deposits, transaction history, and expiration timeframes. In New York, you can easily check your food stamp balance and account details online, through the mobile app, by phone, in-store, or on your EBT card. Knowing how much remains in your SNAP account ensures you utilize the full benefit amount each month to support your food security.