With SNAP being cut dramatically, people will now need to look at food banks and community pantries. Nobody - the person behind you in line doesn't necessarily know what you're paying for your groceries with." "Now most people, or a lot of people I should say, shop with a debit card or credit card and EBT card. "That stigma has been removed," said Rybicki. People from all walks of life need the help and it’s becoming more of the norm for thousands in New York. "If you want to go online at 3 o'clock in the morning and screen yourself or file an application, you certainly can do that," said Rybicki. Gone are the days when people had to stand in line at the social services office. Over the years it has become easier to apply. "I would encourage anyone who thinks that they may need additional assistance or that they may be eligible for the programs to file an application." "A lot of the folks that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs are working families," said Rybicki. The need of those utilizing the program growing, as is the diversity in the backgrounds of those seeking assistance. "So we have seen an increase in the number of households that have applied for programs," Rybicki said.Īcross the U.S., 38 million people have met the need for SNAP, applied and received benefits in 2019 alone. That means more work for social services offices on all levels across New York and the country. "We've seen increases in prices of housing, increases in prices and food." "Since the pandemic, we've seen more people that are struggling with the ability to pay their rent," said Karen Rybicki, first deputy commissioner for Erie County Social Services. It’s important to note that the SNAP program was never designed to sustain a household by itself, however, with all of the difficulties people have endured over the last three years, it's understandable that the drop in support is hard for some families. The benefits have gone back to pre-pandemic levels, leaving many families across the Empire State needing more. If you are receiving Food Stamp Benefits and wish to check on your Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transaction (EBT) account, click here for "My Account".We’re officially in a new era of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.For more information on using your EBT card, visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance web site:.You can also check your account balance and change your pin number at the EBT internet website by clicking here: The Hotline number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have questions or problems using your benefit card or PIN -Ĭall the Customer Service Hotline number at 1-88. If you use both a food stamp benefit account and a cash benefit account, your card will be swiped through the machine twice and you must enter your PIN twice.You will not receive cash back from your purchase.You cannot check your balance by calling this number from a pay phone. You need to know what your balance is before you go to pay for your groceries. Before you shop, call the customer service number at 1-88 to check your balance.If your card is damaged or bent, it will need to be replaced by your worker.Do not put your card near magnets, TVs, stereos, VCRs, or even the magnetic clasp on a purse.Do not write on or scratch the black stripe on the back of your card.If someone else uses your card and PIN, your benefits will not be replaced! Never let anyone see you enter your PIN number.Never write your PIN number on your benefit card.Never tell anyone your secret PIN number.Simply swipe your EBT card through the designated machine at the register when paying for your groceries and enter the four digit Personal Identification Number that you have selected. You will now use a plastic benefit card to access your food stamp account, similar to the way you use a bank debit card. New York State has eliminated paper food coupons.
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