October-November 2025 Benefit Updates
As of 10/30/2025
SNAP
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:
NYC Official Food Finder: Map
Food Bank for NYC: NYC Food Map
NY Common Pantry: Pantries in Harlem and the Bronx
City Harvest: NYC Food Map
The latest on SNAP:
NY OTDA: State Updates on SNAP
NYC HRA: City Updates on SNAP
Hunger Free America Letter: Protect SNAP During the Federal Shutdown
Hunger Solutions NY: Toolkit: SNAP 10/1/25 Changes
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:
NYC OTDA: SNAP Work Requirements | SNAP | OTDA
NYC HRA: SNAP work requirements
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:
NY OTDA: State Updates 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
EBT Phone Scam Alert: Scammers are calling clients and pretending to be EBT Customer Service (888-328-6399). These calls may look real, but they are not. Clients can protect their EBT card by freezing it. More info here.
OTDA is launching a text blast informing households of the new EBT freeze card feature. Clients will receive a message from 696-832 with a link to a flyer detailing how to freeze their card when not in use. This message is not spam or a scam, and clients are encouraged to use the freeze feature for added security. More info here.
March 17th is the deadline to apply for property tax exemptions!
See below for links to information on specific exemptions
For SCHE
For DHE
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