November 2025 Benefit Updates

As of 11/17/2025

Medicare:

  • A reminder! Medicare Open Enrollment runs through December 7th. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact NYC Aging's Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 212-244-6469.

SNAP:  

  • New York State has issued full SNAP benefits to all eligible households. SNAP households should continue to complete all SNAP requirements, and new applications for SNAP will continue to be accepted. More information can be found here: NYS OTDA

  • For State by State updates on November allocations click on FRAC’s spreadsheet here. 

HEAP:

Although the federal shutdown has ended, HEAP funds are still expected to take several weeks to reach New York. The Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a one-year halt on disenrollment from the state’s Energy Affordability Program for major utilities (with LIPA–PSEG expected to follow), extended the acceptable age of benefit award letters to 18 months, and directed submetering companies to stop removing low-income customers. Advocates note ongoing concerns about disconnections and limited relief options, especially for households relying on deliverable fuels.

As of 11/11/2025 at 10:00am

Governor Hochul announced new protections and resources for New Yorkers who will struggle with higher home heating costs due to the decision by Washington Republicans to cut off federal funding to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) — which serves around 1.5 million low-income New York households — as part of the federal government shutdown. For more information click here.

As of 11/10/2025 at 5:00pm

According to the New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance (OTDA) SNAP recipients should receive November’s allocation by the end of this week. For more information, click here.

As of 11/7/2025 at 6:00pm

From our partners at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC): USDA to finally fund November SNAP benefits.

The SNAP updates are fluid and changing rapidly. Please also continue to check official updates and information from the New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance (OTDA) click here. We will continue to monitor these developments and the impact on SNAP.

As of 11/7/2025 at 5:00pm

NY Governor Hochul has announced that she has directed state agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits. To read the announcement click here.

As of 11/7/2025 at 4:00pm

November SNAP benefits continue to be delayed. For official updates and information from the New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance (OTDA) click here.

Below are links to resources for food, as well as our previous updates. LiveOn NY will continue to monitor the situation, and update this page as new information and resources become available.

As of 10/31/2025 at 5:00pm

SNAP

From our partners at Hunger Solutions New York: Two federal judges issued rulings requiring USDA to use its contingency funds to sustain SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. Click here to see the Hunger Solutions New York alert for more information. As noted, the impacts of these rulings are still unfolding and exact timing and implications on benefits are still forthcoming. For important official information and updates from the New York State Office of Temporary Disability and Assistance (OTDA) click here.  LiveOn NY will continue to monitor this situation and update this page as warranted.

10/30/2025

Due to the government shutdown, the SNAP allocation for November will not be available to SNAP recipients.  NYC's Human Resource Administration continues to process SNAP applications and recertifications, so we encourage New Yorkers to apply for SNAP, so that when the benefit becomes available again, the application will have already been processed and the applicant will begin receiving SNAP.  For assistance with SNAP and other benefits or if you have any questions, please reach us at (212) 398-5045 or benefits@liveon-ny.org.

Below are links to resources for food as well as updates. LiveOn NY will continue to monitor the situation, and update this page as new information and resources become available.

NYC Food maps:

The latest on SNAP: 

SNAP Work Requirements:

Beginning November 3rd, SNAP recipients ages 18-64 will be required to comply with work requirements. To meet this requirement SNAP recipients must document that they are:

  • Employed (80 hours a month)

  • Enrolled in work or training programs,

  • Involved in job search or job readiness activities, or

  • Participating in approved volunteer or community service programs

For more information:

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)

The regular HEAP benefit, which provides a one-time grant toward energy costs and usually becomes available in early November, will be delayed until further notice.

Latest on HEAP:

September 2025 Benefit Updates

SNAP

Beginning October 1, more people will be eligible for SNAP! Below are the monthly income and resource guidelines for households with one member who is 60+ or disabled, as well as the amount of the increased SNAP allotment:

Household Size:        Maximum Monthly Gross Income:

          1 person                                $2,608

          2 people                                 $3,525

          3 people                                 $4,442

The maximum resource level for applicants who are 60+ or disabled and over the maximum monthly gross income is still $4,500.

The maximum SNAP allotment per household:

           Household Size:        Maximum Amount of SNAP (monthly):

           1 person                                 $298

           2 people                                 $546

           3 people                                 $785

The minimum SNAP allotment increases to $24/month.

SNAP work requirement

With the passage of the OBBBA this summer, the age for Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (known as ABAWD) work requirements has been expanded to adults 18-64 years old. Currently, these requirements are waived in New York State, but they will go into effect after the waiver ends on February 28, 2026.

EBT/SNAP fraud

Replacement benefits for SNAP recipients who have experienced “EBT Skimming” will no longer be available. Victims should still report the theft and request a new EBT card. Clients can also protect their EBT card by freezing it. More info here.

If clients are experiencing a food emergency as a result of this theft (or other issue) they may be eligible for a special cash assistance grant from the Human Resources Administration. The best way to apply is through Access HRA or in person at a center.

Changes to Home Care Eligibility

As of September 1st, new requirements were implemented for Personal Care Services, CDPAP (Consumer Driven Personal Assistance Program) MLTC and Medicaid Advantage Program coverage. More info here.

NY State’s Affordable Broadband Act

The Affordable Broadband Act is a permanent law guaranteeing discounted internet for eligible households. Recipients of SNAP, Medicaid, SCRIE, DRIE and other benefits are eligible. SNAP recipients should be alerted that they may receive texts from HRA about this opportunity. More info here.

May 2025 Benefit Updates and Resources

NY’s HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit is now available: Eligible applicants may receive a free air conditioner or fan. Installation is also included. Click here for more information or call LiveOn NY's Benefits Outreach Program at (212) 398-5045.

April 2025 Benefit Updates and Resources

Benefit Updates 

New York State has announced that the 2024-25 HEAP Regular & Emergency Benefits will close on Monday, April 7th at 5:00pm. All applications submitted online via Access HRA or postmarked on or before the deadline will be processed.  

HRA released the new income and resource guidelines for Non Magi Medicaid (Medicaid for 65+, disabled or certified blind) and the Medicare Savings Program for 2025. 

Medicaid:

Family Size:               Income:                        Resources:

1                                  $1,800                           $32,396

2                                  $2,433                          $43,781

Medicare Savings Program

Family Size:             QMB Income:            QI Income:             QWDI:

1                               $1,800                        $2,433                 $2,609

2                               $2,426                       $3,279                $3,525

Medicaid Renewals

  • The 5-year PAUSE on closing Medicaid cases at HRA for failure to return the renewal packet/failure to recertify is ending in April 2025.

  • Discontinuances for failure to recertify will restart for HRA beneficiaries with authorizations to May 31, 2025. 

For more information, click here.

LiveOn NY's Benefits Outreach Program is available to assist older adults in applying for benefits. For assistance or to make a referral, please call (212) 398-5045 or email us at benefits@liveon-ny.org

February 2025 Aging Updates and Resources

EBT/SNAP fraud

March 17th is the deadline to apply for property tax exemptions!

See below for links to information on specific exemptions

Join LiveOn’s Benefits Outreach team on February 27 at 12:00pm at a STRIVE Virtual Town Hall, organized by The Service Program for Older People, where we’ll be giving a presentation on the Benefits Overview for Older Adults. Click here to join (Passcode: 789472)!

Fall 2024 Updates on Benefits Programs for Clients

Updates to SNAP guidelines

Beginning October 1, more people will be eligible for SNAP.  Below are the monthly income and resource guidelines for households with one member who is 60+ or disabled, as well as the amount of the increased SNAP allotment:

       Household Size:        Maximum Monthly Gross Income:

       1 person                                  $2,510

       2 people                                $3,407

       3 people                                  $4,303

The maximum resource level for applicants who are 60+ or disabled and over the maximum monthly gross income is now $4,500.

The maximum SNAP allotment per household:

                  Household Size:        Maximum Amount of SNAP:

                   1 person                                  $292

                   2 people                                  $536

                   3 people                                  $768

Deadline for EBT Benefit Skimming Replacement is extended

Congress has extended SNAP replacement benefits through December 20, 2024, as part of federal stopgap legislation.  Go here to learn more about filing for SNAP replacement.

SNAP Restaurant Meal Program expands!

The Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) enables eligible SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase meals at participating restaurants. NY State's OTDA has gradually expanded this program on a limited basis in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Go here for more information and a list of participating restaurants.

Regular Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Opens!

NY State’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened November 1st and will remain open until the funds are exhausted. The Regular HEAP benefit provides a one-time grant grant toward energy costs. The income guidelines have increased as follows:

Household Size:        Maximum Monthly Gross Income:

1 person $3,322

2 people $4,345

3 people $5,367

Go here for more information on applying for HEAP.

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