You access SNAP benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

Activating Your EBT Card

You need to activate the card before using it. Learn how to activate and manage your card on the EBT Card Assistance page.

Where to Shop

You can use your EBT card to buy food at participating stores and farmers markets.

Some online stores also accept SNAP for delivery orders. Benefits may be used to pay for approved items, but not for delivery fees.

Find stores, markets, and websites that accept SNAP.

What You Can Buy

You can use SNAP benefits to buy most food items.

You can’t use SNAP to buy:

• Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products
• Pet supplies
• Cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, or cooking utensils
• Items for food preservation, freezer containers, or food wrapping paper
• Medicine, vitamins, or minerals

Learn more about eligible purchases.

How to Pay

Once you’ve activated your new EBT card, you can use it to buy groceries. This works like a debit card. Just swipe the card and then enter your PIN in the machine at the checkout line.

After making your purchase, you should put a freeze on your card. Freezing your card when you’re not using it can help protect you from electronic benefit fraud. Learn more on the EBT Card Assistance page.

Unused Benefits

SNAP benefits carry over from month to month with one exception. If you haven't used your SNAP benefits for 274 consecutive days, any remaining SNAP benefits will be removed from your EBT card. If this happens, your SNAP benefits cannot be reissued.

EBT Card Services

Your EBT card works a lot like a debit card. Like a bank account, you can:

• Track spending
• Check your balance
• Get a replacement card
• Update settings

ebtEDGE is a free and easy way to manage your EBT card.

Learn more about EBT card services on the EBT Card Assistance page.

Keeping Your SNAP Case Up-to-Date

When you apply for SNAP, you’re assigned a case number. Your case links your household information, your applications, and actions taken when you’re in the program, like recertification.

Part of managing your SNAP benefits is updating your case when your situation changes. It’s also important that HRA has your current contact information. The easiest way to view and update your case details is online, but you can also do this by fax, mail, or in person.

Online

Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA mobile app.

By Phone

EBT scams are common. Some people will try to steal your benefits or trick you into giving your personal information. Personal information includes your Social Security number, bank information, EBT card number, or PIN number.

Follow these tips to keep your card secure.

• Freeze your card when you’re not using it with ebtEDGE. Only unfreeze it right before you buy something. Learn how to freeze your card.
• Check card readers for credit card skimmers.
• Keep your PIN safe. Only you should enter it.
• Always check and keep your receipts.

Learn more about benefit theft on the Electronic Benefit Theft and Scams page.

If your situation changes during your certification period, you may be required to report changes to your household. This is called a Case Change request.

This includes changes to:

• Income
• Savings
• Address
• Who lives in your household
• Employment

You will need to submit proof of your reported changes.

If you are due to recertify your SNAP benefits in the next 75 days, report the change as part of your recertification instead.

Some SNAP participants will also receive a Periodic Report in the mail halfway through their certification period. This is usually every six months.

If you do not report changes or return your Periodic Report form, your benefits will stop, and your case will close.

Learn more about reporting changes.

Report Online

Use the ACCESS HRA website.

After you submit the form, upload your required documents using the ACCESS HRA Mobile App.

Report by Mail

SNAP
P.O. Box 29008
Brooklyn, NY 11202

Report in Person

To receive SNAP, you might need to work, volunteer, do job training, or participate in other activities.

There are two types of work requirements:

1. General requirements apply if you’re age 16 to 59 and able to work.
2. ABAWD requirements may also apply if you’re age 18 to 64 and don’t have dependents.

General Work Requirements

Most people ages 16 to 59 must meet general work requirements to keep their benefits.

You may be exempt if you're doing one of the following:

• Working at least 30 hours per week or earning at least $217.50 per week
• Studying at least half-time
• Getting unemployment benefits
• Participating in addiction treatment
• Meeting TANF (Cash Assistance) work requirements
• Getting SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Learn more about general work requirements for SNAP.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Requirements

As of March 1, 2026, some SNAP recipients must comply with new ABAWD work requirements to keep their benefits.

Generally, you’re considered an ABAWD if you:

• Are age 18 through 64, and
• Don’t live with a child under 14, and
• Don’t have a physical or mental barrier that prevents you from working

HRA will inform you if you or anyone in your household needs to meet SNAP work requirements.

You can submit proof that you meet the SNAP work requirements on the ACCESS HRA website.

Learn more about ABAWD work rules.

Read FAQs about SNAP work requirements.

If you’ve lost your benefits because you didn’t follow ABAWD rules, it’s possible to get them back.

To get your benefits back, you must apply for SNAP again or ask HRA to add you back to a case. During your interview, you must tell HRA how you plan to follow the ABAWD rules.

You can tell HRA that you will do any of the following:

• Work a job for at least 80 hours in the 30 days after you apply, or
• Enroll in school for at least 80 hours in the 30 days after you apply, or
• Document at least 12 hours of job search and participate in an HRA work placement activity

Learn what to do if you lose benefits because of ABAWD rules.

Help with Your EBT Card

For EBT card services, go to the EBT Card Assistance page.