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I need help keeping or reapplying for SNAP

For individuals & families

It works like renewing a driver’s license. It is not about being punished — it is about showing that you still qualify.

If you’re working, training, volunteering, or qualify for an exemption, make sure the Department of Human Services knows. Start by finding out whether the new rules apply to you.

I'm getting SNAP
My Case Closed

Keep Your SNAP

Two options

If you’re working, training, volunteering, or qualify for an exemption, make sure the Department of Human Services knows. Start by finding out whether the new rules apply to you.
I'm getting SNAP
My Case Closed

Option A

Are You Getting SNAP Benefits Now?

STEP 1: Find out if the new SNAP work rules apply to you with TogetherNow’s easy-to-use screening tool. Some exemptions that used to protect people no longer exist.

SNAP Work Rules Screening Tool

STEP 2: Did the screening tool say you need to work or volunteer?

Do one of these two things ...

These groups are no longer exempt

  • Older adults (55–64)
  • Parents of children 14 and older
  • Veterans
  • Former foster youth
  • Individuals experiencing homelessness

1 Show That You Work

Any one of these counts:

Job Search
Volunteer
  • Working at a job
  • Learning job skills through a training program
  • Volunteering in your community at an approved nonprofit
Send pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a signed record of your volunteer hours to your county Department of Social Services.
What to Send, and Where
OR

2 Prove you are Exempt

You may qualify for an exemption if you:

  • Are pregnant or recently had a baby
  • Have a disability or serious health condition
  • Care for a young child
  • Care for an adult dependent with a disability
Send proof — a doctor’s note, a birth certificate, a pregnancy verification — with your case number on every page. Other exemptions may apply.
What to Send, and Where

Not sure which one fits you?

Call (585) 413-5091, email SNAP@foodlinkny.org, or take the screener. We’ll help.

Call a Navigator

Option B

Did Your SNAP Case Close? You Can Apply Again.

Many people assume losing SNAP is long term. It isn’t. You may be able to regain eligibility by showing that you meet the current requirements or qualify for an exemption.

Don’t give up. Take the screener, call the benefits line, or talk to a case manager at your county Department of Human Services.
Find My County Office
Apply for SNAP online

If you lost benefits because of work requirements, you may regain eligibility by:

  • Working enough hours
  • Participating in approved training programs
  • Volunteering
  • Providing proof of an exemption

Print It Out, Take It With You

Two one-pagers

One-pager

Keep Your SNAP

What the new work rules ask of you, what counts as proof, and where to send it. One page, plain language.
Download the PDF

One-pager

Did Your SNAP Case Close?

The steps to reapply, what to bring, and who to call if the paperwork stalls.

Download the PDF

Where to Send Your Paperwork

Ten counties, one place to start

Proof of work, training, volunteer hours or an exemption goes to your county Department of Social Services. The forms are called LDSS forms, and each county handles them a little differently.

Start with the most common Monroe County forms, or pick your county below. If you are not sure which form you need, call (585) 413-5091 and we will walk through it with you.

Most Common Monroe County Forms
Monroe
Livingston
Ontario
Genesee
Orleans
Seneca
Wayne
Wyoming
Yates
Allegany

Myth vs. Fact

What people get wrong

Myth

“I lost SNAP, so there's nothing I can do.”

Fact

You may be able to get your SNAP benefits back.

The ABAWD time limit is not a sanction. If you lost benefits because of work requirements, you may regain eligibility by working enough hours, joining an approved training program, volunteering, or providing proof of an exemption.

Myth

“Once my case closes, my benefits are gone forever.”

Fact

You can reapply.

Many people regain benefits after providing documentation or meeting eligibility requirements.

Myth

“If I don't have a job, I can't get SNAP.”

Fact

A job is only one option.

Training programs, volunteer opportunities, and exemptions may also help you remain eligible. 

Myth

“I have to work 40 hours per week to qualify for SNAP”

Fact

No. Requirements are generally 80 hours/month, but can be met through a combination of work, approved training, community service or other qualifying activities.

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Talk to a Foodlink Benefits Navigator

Call (585) 413-5091 or email SNAP@foodlinkny.org. Our navigators walk through a client’s case with you, at no cost.

Take the SNAP Work Rules Screener