Some SSI Recipients Recieve Food Stamps Automatically

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) implemented a demonstration project called the New York State Nutrition Improvement Project (NYSNIP) late in 2003.  This project continues today with the goal of automatically enrolling all of New York State’s SSI (Supplemental Security Income) live-alone recipients into the Food Stamp Program. 

For this population, no separate food stamp application, no interview and no separate verification is needed; OTDA relies on information provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) through the State Data Exchange in order to generate a food stamp case.  NYSNIP participants use their existing Medicaid benefit card to access their food stamp benefits.  Benefit amounts are standardized, and participants can receive food stamps through NYSNIP for as long as 48 months.

Click here for  Hunger Solutions New York NYSNIP article and resources, including:

• NYSNIP Benefit Matrix (adjusted May 1, 2012),
• NYSNIP Forms (updated in November 2011) in English and Spanish,
• NYSNIP Frequently Asked Questions from OTDA in English and Spanish, 
• NYSNIP Desk Guide, 
• OTDA Policy Memo's concerning NYSNIP, and
• Contact Information for help with NYSNIP questions in your community.