SNAP

Important: Safeguard Your EBT Card!

Broome County Department of Social Services

Program Overview

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Food Stamps is a federally funded program administered by the Department of Social Services for the United States Department of Agriculture. The goal of the program is to provide a higher level of nutrition to income eligible individuals and families by enhancing their ability to purchase food.

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by financial criteria. Those found eligible receive an EBT (electronic benefit card) which is scanned in any of 29 local grocery stores and farmers markets in Broome County. Please review the SNAP Eligibility 2026 / OTDA SNAP Eligibility Guidelines.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Rules

Who is an ABAWD?

  • Aged 18 to 64
  • Not living with a child under 14
  • Able to work

Exemptions

  • Under 18 or 65+
  • Household includes child under 14
  • Receiving disability benefits
  • Pregnant
  • Unable to work 80 hours/month due to health
  • Indian Health Services eligible
  • Other exemptions: caring for child <6, incapacitated person, TANF work rules, unemployment benefits, treatment programs, enrolled half‑time in school/training, working 30+ hours/week, earning ≥$217.50/week, SSI applicant/recipient

For more details, see the ABAWD Waiver Update.

How to Apply

Forms can be picked up at the Thomas P. Hoke Human Services Center, 36-42 Main Street, Binghamton, NY 13905, or at the Career & Community Services Center (CCSC), 501 Reynolds Road, Johnson City, NY 13790 between 8 AM to 4 PM - Monday through Friday or accessed online.

Important Notices

Stolen EBT Cards

Beginning October 1, 2025, SNAP beneficiaries will no longer be able to submit applications to replace stolen EBT cards. More details: OTDA SNAP website.

Protect Yourself from EBT Skimming - Learn how to safeguard your card and PIN.

Safeguard Your EBT Card: Download Flyer on New Freeze Feature

"Skimming" Alert

This illegal process involves a device (skimmer) placed on top of a store's card reading machine. The skimmer copies card and personal identification number (PIN) information from Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders. The stolen data is then used to access an individual’s EBT account and spend their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance (TA) cash benefits.

All EBT cardholders should take these steps to protect their benefits.

  • Change their PIN frequently.
  • Remember to protect their EBT card and PIN information.
  • Monitor their EBT account regularly to watch for unauthorized transactions.

If someone believes their benefits have been stolen, please immediately report the card stolen by calling 888-328-6399, visiting www.connectEBT.com, or through the connectEBT mobile app.  For more information, please visit the website:

https://otda.ny.gov/workingfamilies/EBT-scam-alert.asp

Or contact the Broome County Case Integrity Unit at 607-778-2519.

Video: Act Fast: Protect Your EBT Benefits Against Skimming Thieves

Language Assistance

SNAP information is available in multiple languages:

  • Arabic - سينقل الرابط المرفق المستخدم إلى معلومات برنامج المساعدة الغذائية التكميلية (SNAP) المترجمة.
  • Bengali - প্রদত্ত লিঙ্কটি ব্যবহারকারীকে অনুবাদিত SNAP তথ্যে নিয়ে যাবে।
  • Traditional Chinese - 提供的連結會將使用者帶到已翻譯的 SNAP 資訊頁面。
  • Haitian-Creole - Lyen yo bay la ap mennen itilizatè a nan enfòmasyon SNAP ki te tradui yo.
  • Korean - 제공된 링크를 클릭하면 번역된 SNAP 정보 페이지로 이동합니다.
  • Russian - Предоставленная ссылка переведет пользователя на переведенную информацию о программе SNAP.
  • Spanish - El enlace proporcionado llevará al usuario a la información SNAP traducida.

Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA regulations, DSS is prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal. Program info may be available in other languages. Persons with disabilities may request alternative communication formats.

To file a complaint, complete Form AD3027 or write to USDA, 1320 Braddock Place, Room 334, Alexandria, VA 22314. Fax: (833) 256‑1665. Email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

New York State law additionally prohibits discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, disability, marital status, or domestic violence victim status.

Nondiscrimination Statement / Aviso sobre Normas Antidiscriminatorias

Applications, Forms, and Information

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

SFSP was created to reduce the likelihood of nutritional risk for low income children during the months when schools are closed for summer recess by providing free meals at participating summer meal sites such as schools, parks, pools, recreation centers, camps, housing authorities and other neighborhood locations. Through SFSP, schools, governments and nonprofit organizations receive Federal and State funds to continue a child's physical and social development by providing meals during the summer with the number of meals and dates varying by site.

Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006

All Kids and Teens are Welcome! For a Meal near You

Call 211 or TEXT "food" or "comida" to 877-877. You will be provided with the closest open site data information.

Locate the nearest open site with this on-line mapping tool: https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

Community Resources

Contact Information

Broome County DSS – SNAP Unit

If you have a question regarding your benefits or would like to contact a local SNAP (Food Stamp) representative, you may call us at 607-778-1100 (M–F 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM).

New York State EBT Customer Service

Call 1-888-328-6399 or visit ConnectEBT for balance, lost/stolen cards, transaction claims, or PIN help.

Contact if:

  • You need your SNAP or cash account balance.
  • You have question or problems with your SNAP or cash account information.
  • Your card is lost, stolen or damaged.
  • You suspect that a transaction error occurred and you would like to file a claim.
  • You need information about using your benefit card or PIN.
  • Call toll free 1-888-328-6399 or on the Internet https://www.connectebt.com/
  • Your call will be answered by an automated system. You will be guided through menu options to help direct your call.