SNAP Benefits NY Phone Number Louisiana: Complete Contact Guide

SNAP Benefits NY Phone Number Louisiana: Complete Guide to Contacts, Eligibility & Application

Quick Answer

The SNAP phone number for New York City is 718-557-1399 (HRA Infoline). For upstate New York, contact your county Department of Social Services. In Louisiana, call 1-888-524-3578 (1-888-LAHelp-U). For EBT card issues, New York residents call 1-888-328-6399, and Louisiana residents call 1-888-997-1117.

Quick Facts

What Is This Program?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the federal food assistance program formerly known as “food stamps.” It provides monthly benefits loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and retailers. The program is administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the federal level, but each state operates its own SNAP agency.

In New York State, SNAP is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). New York City residents apply through the Human Resources Administration (HRA). Upstate residents apply through their county Department of Social Services (DSS). In Louisiana, SNAP was transferred from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) in October 2025. However, the phone number and customer service contacts remained the same.

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and seeds or plants that produce food. They cannot be used for beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco, pet food, soap, paper products, household supplies, vitamins, medicine, hot foods, or food eaten in the store.

SNAP Phone Numbers: New York

New York City

Sources: NYC ACCESS HRA, HRA Infoline, OTDA

Upstate New York

For a complete directory of upstate county SNAP offices, call the OTDA helpline at 1-800-342-3009 or visit otda.ny.gov.

SNAP Phone Numbers: Louisiana

Sources: Louisiana LDH, DCFS

Important Note: Some older materials may refer to DCFS for SNAP matters. As of October 2025, SNAP is administered by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). DCFS now handles child welfare and other programs, not SNAP.

Who Qualifies?

SNAP eligibility depends on your household’s income, resources, size, and the circumstances of individual members. The program is designed to help low-income working people, seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children afford nutritious food.

Who Qualifies

• Low-income households whose gross monthly income falls at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — or up to 200% FPL in states with Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)

• Households with elderly members (60+) — may only need to meet net income limits, not gross

• Households with disabled members receiving certain disability payments — same exemption from gross income test

• Households receiving SSI, FITAP, KCSP, or STEP benefits — categorically eligible and exempt from resource limits in Louisiana

• Working families earning modest wages

• Legal immigrants who meet specific immigration status requirements

• College students who meet one of several exemptions (working 20+ hours/week, receiving work-study, having dependent children, etc.)

Who Does NOT Qualify

• Households with gross income above 130% FPL (or 200% FPL in BBCE states) — unless all members are elderly or disabled

• Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–64 who fail to meet work requirements (80 hours/month of work, training, or volunteering)

• Most full-time college students who do not meet an exemption

• Undocumented immigrants — though their U.S. citizen children may still qualify

• Individuals disqualified for intentional program violations

• Strikers (in Louisiana, individuals on strike are not exempt from resource limits)

• Individuals who voluntarily quit a job without good cause (may face a sanction period)

Sources: NY.gov, Louisiana LDH, USDA FNS

Income Limits

New York State (Effective Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)

New York uses three income thresholds depending on household circumstances:

Who uses which threshold:

• 130% FPL: Standard gross income limit

• 150% FPL: Households with earned income that meet certain conditions

• 200% FPL: Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) households — New York is a BBCE state, making eligibility more generous

Households where one member is 60 or older, on SSI, or receiving Social Security Disability are exempt from the gross income test but must still meet net income limits.

Source: Erie County Income Guidelines, NY.gov

Louisiana (Effective Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026)

Louisiana uses the standard federal 130% FPL gross income limit. Louisiana has not adopted Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) as of 2026, making its thresholds stricter than some states.

Louisiana Net Income Limits (100% FPL):

All Louisiana households — except those with elderly or disabled members — must pass both the gross and net income tests.

Source: Louisiana DCFS B-640-SNAP Income Limits

Asset Limits

New York

New York is a Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) state, meaning most households that pass the income test are exempt from the asset test. This is a significant advantage over states without BBCE.

Louisiana

Louisiana applies the standard federal asset test for most households:

Assets counted include bank accounts, cash, certificates of deposit (CDs), stocks, and bonds. If a household is BBCE-eligible, assets will not be counted.

Source: Louisiana LDH SNAP Eligibility

Household Requirements

SNAP defines a “household” as a group of people who live together and purchase and prepare food together. Key rules include:

• Married couples living together must apply together

• Children under 22 living with parents must be in the same household

• Roommates who purchase and prepare food separately can apply as separate households

• Elderly or disabled individuals living with others may be able to purchase and prepare food separately and apply as their own SNAP household

• Students living in dormitories or on-campus housing may apply individually if they meet student exemptions

Citizenship Rules

To receive SNAP, you must be:

• A U.S. citizen, OR

• A U.S. national (e.g., from American Samoa), OR

• A qualified alien who meets specific immigration criteria

Qualified aliens include:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) — subject to a waiting period or work history requirement

• Refugees, asylees, and certain parolees

• Cuban/Haitian entrants

• Certain battered immigrants

• Veterans and active-duty military members and their spouses

The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) tightened immigration eligibility rules, stripping SNAP eligibility from some legal non-citizens who previously qualified, including some refugees, asylum seekers, and other non-citizens with legal status.

Source: USDA FNA, Louisiana LDH

Immigration Eligibility

Who may qualify as a legal immigrant:

• Green card holders (after 5 years or with 40 qualifying work quarters)

• Refugees and asylees (immediately eligible)

• Veterans and active-duty service members (immediately eligible)

• Certain Cuban/Haitian entrants

Who likely does NOT qualify:

• Undocumented immigrants

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders (under OBBBA rules)

• Some parolees and deferred action recipients

Important: U.S. citizen children in immigrant families can receive SNAP benefits even if their parents are not eligible.

State Differences

Required Documents

You will need to provide verification for the following:

Source: Louisiana LDH

How to Apply

New York

Online: Apply at myBenefits.ny.gov — create a ny.gov account or apply as a guest

By Phone (NYC): Call 718-557-1399 or 311

By Phone (Upstate): Call your county Department of Social Services

In Person: Visit a SNAP Center (NYC) or your local DSS office (upstate)

By Mail/Fax: Contact your local office for instructions

Louisiana

Online: Apply through the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal at sspweb.ie.dcfs.la.gov

By Phone: Call 1-888-524-3578 (1-888-LAHelp-U) — application takes 20–30 minutes

By Mail: Download the OFS 4APP application and mail to:
LDH Economic Stability
P.O. Box 260031
Baton Rouge, LA 70826

By Fax: 1-225-663-3164

Text: Text GETSNAP to 898-211 for instructions

Online Application

Both portals allow you to apply, upload documents, check application status, and manage recertification. For Louisiana, uploading documents through CAFÉ reduces processing time.

Processing Time

Expedited processing applies if your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income and less than $100 in liquid resources, or if your combined income and resources are less than your monthly rent plus utilities.

Payment Schedule

New York

New York City: Benefits are deposited on the 1st through the 10th of each month, based on the last digit of your case number.

Upstate: Benefits are deposited on the 1st through the 10th or later, depending on your county’s schedule.

Louisiana

Louisiana deposits benefits across the first 23 calendar days of each month, based on the last digit of your case number:

SNAP benefits are available after 5 a.m. on the deposit date.

Renewal Process

New York

SNAP certification periods vary. Most households must recertify every 12 months, though some may be certified for up to 24 or 36 months if all adult members are elderly or disabled.

Recertification options:

• Online at myBenefits.ny.gov

• By phone: 718-762-7669 (NYC on-demand interviews)

• By mail/fax: 917-639-2544 (NYC)

Louisiana

Recertification periods vary based on household circumstances. You must complete a recertification interview unless you qualify for the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) , which waives interviews for elderly individuals with no earned income.

To recertify: Log into your CAFÉ account, complete the simplified report, and submit required documents.

Reasons Applications Are Denied

1. Income exceeds limits — gross income above 130% FPL (or 200% FPL in BBCE states)

2. Missing required documents — failure to provide verification

3. Missed interview — failing to complete the eligibility interview

4. Asset limits exceeded — in non-BBCE states like Louisiana

5. Work requirement non-compliance — ABAWDs who fail to meet 80 hours/month

6. Immigration status — not meeting qualified alien requirements

7. Student status — full-time students without an exemption

8. Intentional program violation — prior fraud disqualification

9. Failure to provide SSN — required for all household members

10. Striking — individuals on strike may be ineligible

Appeals Process

New York

If your SNAP application is denied or benefits are reduced, you can:

1. Request a conference — informal meeting with a supervisor

2. Request a State Fair Hearing — call 1-800-342-3334 within 90 days of the notice date

You can request a fair hearing by phone, fax, online, or by mail. If you request a hearing before your benefits are reduced, your benefits may continue at the current level until the hearing decision.

Louisiana

You have the right to a fair hearing if you disagree with a decision. Contact 1-888-524-3578 for information on how to request a hearing. Louisiana must make eligibility determinations within 30 days of your application.

Common Mistakes

1. Not reporting all income — including self-employment, gig work, and cash income

2. Forgetting to report household changes — new members, moves, income changes

3. Missing the interview — this is a required step

4. Not submitting documents on time — gather documents before applying

5. Assuming you don’t qualify — many working families and seniors qualify

6. Not applying for expedited service — if you’re in an emergency, ask

7. Failing to recertify on time — benefits stop if you miss your recertification

8. Not reporting a lost EBT card immediately — call EBT customer service right away

9. Using SNAP for ineligible items — this can lead to disqualification

10. Not appealing a denial — you have the right to challenge decisions

Recent Changes

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) — Signed July 2025

Key changes affecting SNAP:

• Expanded work requirements for ABAWDs aged 18–64 (previously 18–54 in many areas)

• Tightened immigration eligibility — some legal non-citizens lost eligibility

• Reduced federal administrative funding from 50% to 25% starting October 1, 2026

• Estimated 4.5 million people left SNAP nationwide between July 2025 and April 2026

Louisiana SNAP Food Restrictions — Effective February 18, 2026

Louisiana SNAP recipients can no longer use benefits to purchase soda, energy drinks, and candy.

SNAP Administration Transfer in Louisiana — October 2025

SNAP moved from DCFS to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). Contact numbers remained the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SNAP phone number for New York?

For New York City, call 718-557-1399 (HRA Infoline) or 311. For upstate New York, contact your county Department of Social Services. The statewide OTDA helpline is 1-800-342-3009. For EBT card issues, call 1-888-328-6399.

What is the SNAP phone number for Louisiana?

Call 1-888-524-3578 (1-888-LAHelp-U) for SNAP applications, questions, and case information. For EBT card issues, call 1-888-997-1117 (available 24/7).

How much can I earn and still qualify for SNAP in New York?

In New York, a household of 4 can earn up to $3,483/month** (130% FPL) or up to **$5,358/month (200% FPL with BBCE). Households with elderly or disabled members may only need to meet net income limits.

How much can I earn and still qualify for SNAP in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a household of 4 can earn up to $3,250/month (130% FPL). Louisiana does not have BBCE, so the higher 200% FPL threshold does not apply.

What is the maximum SNAP benefit?

For fiscal year 2026, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit is $298** for one person and **$994 for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states. A one- or two-person household that passes the net income test receives a minimum of $24/month.

How long does it take to get SNAP benefits?

Standard processing takes up to 30 days. If you qualify for expedited processing, you can receive benefits within 7 days. Expedited processing applies if your household has very low income and resources.

Can I apply for SNAP by phone?

Yes. In Louisiana, call 1-888-524-3578 to apply by phone. In New York City, call 718-557-1399. The Louisiana phone application takes approximately 20–30 minutes to complete.

What can I buy with SNAP benefits?

SNAP benefits can be used for breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and seeds or plants that produce food. They cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, pet food, household supplies, vitamins, medicine, or hot prepared foods.

Can college students get SNAP?

Generally, students enrolled at least half-time in college are not eligible unless they meet an exemption — such as working 20+ hours per week, participating in work-study, having dependent children, or receiving certain benefits. Contact your state SNAP office for details.

What should I do if I lose my EBT card?

New York: Call 1-888-328-6399 immediately. Louisiana: Call 1-888-997-1117 immediately. Both lines are available 24/7. Report the loss right away to prevent unauthorized use.

Can immigrants get SNAP?

Some legal immigrants qualify, including green card holders (after a waiting period or with work history), refugees, asylees, and veterans. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify, but their U.S. citizen children may be eligible. The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act tightened eligibility rules.

What if my SNAP application is denied?

You have the right to appeal. In New York, call 1-800-342-3334 to request a fair hearing within 90 days. In Louisiana, contact 1-888-524-3578 for information on requesting a fair hearing. You can also request a conference with a supervisor first.

Key Takeaways

• New York SNAP phone: 718-557-1399 (NYC); county DSS offices (upstate)

• Louisiana SNAP phone: 1-888-524-3578 (1-888-LAHelp-U)

• EBT customer service: NY: 1-888-328-6399; LA: 1-888-997-1117

• Income limits: NY uses up to 200% FPL with BBCE; LA uses 130% FPL only

• Maximum benefits (FY2026): $298 (1 person); $994 (4 persons)

• Processing time: 30 days standard; 7 days expedited

• Apply online: myBenefits.ny.gov (NY); CAFÉ portal (LA)

• SNAP is now administered by LDH in Louisiana (not DCFS)

• OBBBA changes expanded work requirements and tightened immigration rules in 2026

• You have appeal rights if denied — request a fair hearing

Official Government Resources

Related Government Benefits

If you qualify for SNAP, you may also be eligible for these programs:

1. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Louisiana WIC: 1-800-251-BABY.

2. Medicaid — Free or low-cost health insurance for low-income individuals and families. Apply through your state Medicaid office or HealthCare.gov.

3. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) — Cash assistance for families with children. In Louisiana, this is called FITAP.

4. LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) — Helps pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state energy assistance office.

5. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher — Rental assistance for low-income families. Apply through your local public housing authority.

6. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — Cash assistance for aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income.

7. Child Tax Credit — Federal tax credit for families with qualifying children. File through the IRS.

8. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — Tax credit for working people with low to moderate income. File through the IRS.

9. FEMA Assistance — Disaster relief for eligible individuals and households. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.

10. Head Start / Early Head Start — Early childhood education for low-income children.

11. School Meal Programs — Free or reduced-price meals for school children.

12. Lifeline Program — Discounted phone or internet service for low-income households.