Food Stamp Program is a state-administered federal nutrition assistance program. It is designed to be a supplement to the household budget in order to provide a healthy diet, which is an essential component of well-being for persons of all ages, including senior citizens. Assistance is available to those who meet financial eligibility guidelines. The program now called 'SNAP,'  does not use coupons or food stamp books. Since December of 2000, the system has been changed to an electronic one, called the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). Benefits are authorized in an account that is accessed by the recipient at participating retail stores through the use of a benefit card and personal identification number (PIN). It works much the same way a bank debit card does. Each month, an amount of credit is placed in the account, and the recipient can spend up to that amount for food.

Address:
Ulster County Department of Social Services
1051 Development Court
Kingston, NY 12401

Telephone: (845) 334-5200

Service Offered: Monthly financial assistance to be used specifically for the
purchase of food.

Applications: You may apply online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or telephone.

Restrictions: Although the program is income-based, the criteria for senior citizens are less restrictive. It is based on net income – income after allowable medical costs and shelter deductions are deducted. Allowable medical costs of more than $35 per month which are excluded from income include: most medical costs, such as doctor bills, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication when approved by a doctor, dentures, inpatient and outpatient hospital expenses and nursing care. Other medically-related expenses, such as certain transportation costs, attendant care and health insurance premiums are also included.

How Accessed: Call the Department of Social Services for further information