Programs overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – including Public Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – are not immediately affected by the federal government shutdown and are continuing to operate. Benefits will continue to be provided, and use of benefit cards are not impacted by the shutdown. Additionally, applications for these programs overseen by OTDA will continue to be accepted at this time. This message will be updated if additional information becomes available.
Last updated: October 1, 2025, 9:10 AM
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Summer EBT is a food benefit program that helps low-income families with school-age children buy groceries during the summer when kids might not have access to school meals. Most eligible children will automatically receive Summer EBT food benefits, however, some families may need to apply.
A Fair Hearing is a chance for you to tell a hearing officer from OTDA why you think a decision about your case made by a local social services agency is wrong.
OTDA will then issue a written decision which will state whether the local agency's decision was right or wrong. The written decision may order the local agency to correct your case.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues monthly benefits that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. SNAP benefits help low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families.