The Food Stamp Program is a Federal nutrition assistance program designed to supplement a household's food budget. The amount of food stamp benefits received is based upon factors such as household size, income, assets, shelter costs, etc. Eligible households access benefits through an electronic benefit transfer system ( EBT) by using a benefit card and PIN at participating food retailers.
To apply for Food Stamps, you must complete and submit an application. Applications may be requested by phone, in person, or e-mail using contact information listed above. Application forms are also available online at:
http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/apps/default.asp

Application Process - The application process includes completing and filing an application form, being interviewed and having certain information verified and documented. Additional information on the Food Stamp Program is available at:
http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/foodstamps
or vist the NYS OTDA Internet Prescreening Tool at:
http://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/

• You must provide your name, and address (if any), and you must sign the application before submitting it. Please include your telephone number and answer all questions as completely as possible.
• You may submit your application for Food Stamps in person, by mail, by fax or online. Once your application is received, you will be scheduled for an interview and an appointment notice will be sent to you by mail. If appearing at the office for an in-person interview would be a hardship for your household, you may request a telephone interview. If you qualify for expedited service you may be interviewed on the same day you submit your application.
• Once an eligibility decision is made, you will be notified by mail regarding your eligibility for Food Stamp benefits.
• Households determined eligible for Food Stamps access their benefits by using a plastic benefit card ( EBT).
• Click here for further information on "How to Use Your EBT Card to Get Food Stamps" http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/ebt/default.htm

Additional Links:
EBT (24hr) Toll Free Helpline: 1.888.328.6399

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Food Stamp Program Information
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County - Eat Smart NY!
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/chenango/about/Eat%20Smart%20NY.htm

Food Bank of Central New York Food Stamp Outreach Project
http://www.foodstampshelp.org/

Nutrition Consortium of New York State
http://www.hungernys.org/programs/nutrition/foodstamps.html

myBenefits - NYS OTDA Internet Prescreening Tool
http://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/