SNAP Benefits & EBT Access Assistance
Due to the federal government shut down, we are providing a variety of resources in case SNAP is shut down. New York State is providing emergency food aid, and benefits will be restored retroactively once federal funding resumes. Medicaid remains active, and Encore is expanding meal support through partnering organizations.
Any older adult who is currently a member of Encore’s Home Delivered Meals program or Older Adult Centers and at risk for losing SNAP benefits, please contact your case manager or Older Adult Center case worker and we will help. All New Yorkers over 60 qualify for free lunch at Encore’s older adult centers. You can call 646- 494-8740 to see if you qualify for our Home Delivered Meals program. Below are some additional resources you may find helpful.
Frequent Asked Questions
- Will the money from November SNAP be returned, and when?
Yes. Benefits will be restored once federal funding resumes. OTDA will notify households via ACCESS HRA, myBenefits, and text. (Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance). - If I don't get my EBT benefits in November, can I get them retroactively?
Yes. Households approved after November 1 may receive benefits retroactively once theshutdown ends (OTDA). - When benefits return, will they pay back for every month missed?
Yes. Benefits missed due to the shutdown will be reimbursed once federal funds are authorized (OTDA). - Am I really not going to get my SNAP payment in November?
Correct. USDA confirmed no SNAP benefits will be issued for November unless Congress actS (FOX 5 news). - How can a person verify if their benefits have been cut?
Log into ACCESS HRA or myBenefits to check your case status and EBT balance (Access NYC). - If benefits are cut, when would they be reestablished?
Benefits resume immediately after federal funding is restored. Stay active by submitting recertifications and updates (Fox 5). - Will people have to reenroll in SNAP after the government shutdown ends?
No. You do not need to reenroll. Just keep your case active (OTDA). - How are SNAP payments being delayed from state to state? How does New York compare?
All states are affected. New York is one of the few states providing emergency food aid, with $65M allocated for 40M meals (The Official website of Governor Hochul). - Is New York going to find money to pay for SNAP without federal help?
Yes. Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency and committed $65M in state funds (FOX 5 and Governor Hochul website). - Are SNAP payments late this month for everyone?
Yes. USDA confirmed delays nationwide due to a lack of federal funding (FOX 5 and AARP). - Will I get a notice in the mail?
Not guaranteed. Notifications will be sent via ACCESS HRA, myBenefits, and text message (on the OTDA and Gov. Hochul websites). - Is this happening to everyone, including seniors?
Yes. Over 3 million New Yorkers are affected, including 21% who are age 60+ (LiveOn NY and AARP).
Food Access & Support
- Will Encore be supplementing meals or supplies during November?
Yes. Encore is expanding home-delivered meals and coordinating with Citymeals and LiveOn NY. - What alternatives are available for food?
– Food Help NYC Map
– Citymeals on Wheels for homebound adults 60+
– Call 311 for nearby pantries and kitchens - How am I supposed to buy food? Can I have a list of food pantries?
Use ACCESS NYC or call 311. Everyone is eligible regardless of income or immigration status. - Where can people go for food besides the Encore Older Adult Center?
Use the Food Help NYC map or call 311. Citymeals and LiveOn NY also provide referrals. Systemic & Health Impacts - Will the government shutdown also affect Medicaid coverage?
No. Medicaid remains active. Applications and renewals continue via ACCESS HRA. - How long will the shutdown last?
Unknown. It began on October 1 and has lasted over 4 weeks. CBO estimates up to $14B in economic losses if it continues (CNBC and Fox News). - Check my HRA account.
Visit ACCESS HRA to check your SNAP, Cash Assistance, and Medicaid status.