The SNAP program issues monthly benefits redeemable at authorized retail food stores. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income, assets, and other factors. To help with the transition to self-sufficiency, SNAP may be continued for families leaving Temporary Assistance to transition into the workplace. The SNAP income eligibility limits enable families earning up to 130% of the poverty level to qualify for the program.
For eligible households, SNAP benefits begin the day the application is filed with the department. If you file an application and meet the rules of the SNAP Program, you have a legal right to get them.
SNAP Benefits are for:
- Individuals or families
- People who work for low wages, work part-time, or are unemployed
- People who receive TANF or Safety Net
- People who are elderly or disabled with limited income
- People who are homeless or in a shelter for domestic violence
Eligibility Interview
To complete the eligibility process, a face-to-face or phone interview with you or your authorized representative is required. At that time, you will need to complete the application form and prove your income, expenses, and other information. Some of the documents or verification you may be asked for include, but are not limited to:
- Identity - Birth certificate, driver's license, or other proof of identity
- Social Security Cards - For all eligible household members, including children
- Residence - Rent receipt or lease agreement. Homeowners should bring proof of mortgage, taxes, and insurance
- Utility Bills - Gas, electric, and telephone bills
- Alien Status - Alien registration card or proof of legal residency
- Earned Income - Pay stubs or written statement from your employer
- Unearned Income - Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Worker's Compensation, Child Support, etc.
- Child Care Expenses - Canceled checks or written statement from your provider
- Medical Expenses - Receipts for medical bill payments or insurance premiums
SNAP Work Rules (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents - ABAWD)
Starting in March 2026, some adults ages 18 through 64 must meet the ABAWD Work Rules to continue receiving SNAP benefits for more than three months. These rules apply during the current 36-month period, which runs from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026.
Many individuals do not have to meet these rules because they qualify for an exemption. Before requiring you to meet ABAWD work rules, we will ask questions to determine whether an exemption applies to you.
SNAP Work Rules Screener
- Find out if the SNAP work rules for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) apply to you.
Exemptions From ABAWD Work Rules
If one or more of the exemptions below apply to you, you do not have to meet the ABAWD Work Rules. If none apply, you may be required to meet the rules. We will notify you if this applies to your household.
A SNAP recipient meeting any of the following conditions is not subject to ABAWD work requirements, though participation in assigned work activities may still be required under Public Assistance or SNAP Employment and Training:
- A person under 18 years of age
- A person 65 years of age or older
- An adult in a SNAP household with a child under 14 years of age
- A person working or self-employed at least 30 hours per week, or earning weekly wages equal to 30 hours at the federal minimum wage
- A person responsible for the care of an incapacitated individual (the individual does not need to live in the household)
- A pregnant individual
- A person physically or mentally unable to work at least 80 hours per month
- A regular participant in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
- A recipient of disability benefits from a public or private source, including NYS disability benefits
- A person receiving or applying for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB)
- A student enrolled at least half-time in a recognized school, job skills training program, or institution of higher education and meeting SNAP student eligibility requirements
- An individual applying jointly for SNAP and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or receiving SSI
In most cases, you can report an exemption during your SNAP application or recertification interview. You may also upload a written statement through NYS DocSubmit or contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services. We will let you know if additional information is required.
Exemption Forms
Meeting the ABAWD Work Rules
If you are not exempt, you must meet one of the following requirements each month to continue receiving SNAP benefits. Verification must be submitted to the Genesee County Department of Social Services by the end of each month.
- Work, including paid, in-kind, or volunteer work, for at least 80 hours per month
- Participation in a qualifying work or training program approved by the social services district for at least 80 hours per month
- Compliance with a Work Experience assignment equal to the SNAP benefit amount divided by the State minimum wage
- Participation in an employment and training program for veterans operated by the Department of Labor or Department of Veterans Affairs for at least 80 hours per month
- Participation in a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or Trade Act program, including job search, job readiness, education, or occupational training, for at least 80 hours per month
- A combination of qualifying work, volunteer, or training activities totaling at least 80 hours per month
Verification Forms
If You Do Not Meet the ABAWD Work Rules
If you are not exempt and do not meet the ABAWD Work Rules for any three months during the 36-month period, you will not be eligible for SNAP benefits until October 1, 2026, unless you begin meeting the work requirements.
We will send notices informing you if you are using one of your three countable months or if your SNAP benefits are ending due to ABAWD Work Rules.
OTDA ABAWD Information
Submit Documents with NYDocSubmit
The NYDocSubmit app is now available in Genesee County for submitting documentation.
Click here to learn how to download the app
SNAP Benefits
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is called an allotment, which is based on the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). The TFP changes yearly and is based on the National Academy of Sciences' Recommended Dietary Allowances and the food choices of low-income households. The amount of your SNAP allotment depends on your household size, ages, and income. Households must meet income tests unless all members are receiving TANF, SSI, or Safety Net.
Expedited SNAP Benefits
You may be entitled to expedited SNAP benefits within 5 calendar days of submitting your application if you meet the eligibility criteria.
SNAP Can Be Used For:
- Foods for the household, such as:
- Breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meats, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Seeds and plants to grow food for the household
SNAP Cannot Be Used For:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Non-food items, such as:
- Pet foods
- Soaps, paper products, household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
- Food consumed in the store
- Hot foods
EBT
New York State participates in the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System. SNAP benefits are issued via an EBT card, used similarly to a debit card at grocery stores.
The Genesee County Department of Social Services Employment Program collaborates with the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA), the Genesee County Career Center, and Social Services (DSS) to promote self-sufficiency. The program stresses employment-based solutions to reduce reliance on ongoing cash assistance.
Applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance are provided with job readiness training, skills assessments, employment plans, and supportive services to help them transition into the workforce and maintain employment.