Bill > A06632

This bill establishes "SNAP for all", a state-funded supplemental nutrition assistance program designed to provide food benefits to low-income New York residents who are currently excluded from federal SNAP benefits solely due to their immigration status. The program will mirror the federal SNAP program in terms of eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and distribution methods, but will be specifically targeted at immigrants who cannot access federal nutrition assistance. Eligibility will be based on income requirements similar to federal SNAP, and benefits will be available to individuals and households permanently residing in New York who meet income guidelines but are ineligible for federal SNAP due to immigration status. The bill includes important protections for applicants, such as keeping personal information confidential and ensuring that applying for or receiving benefits will not negatively impact immigration status or be reported to immigration authorities. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will oversee the program, develop a simple application process, create an outreach plan, and provide culturally competent services in multiple languages. The program aims to reduce food insecurity, fight hunger, and improve health outcomes for low-income New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, with the bill noting that immigrants without SNAP access are nearly twice as likely to experience food insecurity compared to U.S.-born and naturalized citizens.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6632