NYCHA - Squadron NYCHA Snap Gap

NYC Housing Authority


Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2013
Contact: media@nycha.nyc.gov, (212) 306-3322

State Senator Daniel Squadron, NYCHA Announce Initiative to Close SNAP Gap

SNAP Application Now Online Along with NYCHA Public Housing Application

State Senator Daniel Squadron and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chairman John Rhea today announced that public housing applicants will now be able to concurrently apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps), in an effort to increase food stamp access for New Yorkers who qualify. As of 2010, more than two million individuals in New York City qualified for SNAP. However, nearly a quarter of those who qualify for SNAP don’t take advantage of the program.

“With too many families worrying about where their next meal will come from, we can't leave good solutions on the table. Now, by integrating NYCHA and SNAP applications, many more New Yorkers in need will gain access to their eligible benefits. Thank you to NYCHA for working with me to implement this important change,” said Squadron.

Squadron has been working with NYCHA to integrate the SNAP application into its housing application process, as many applicants are eligible for both. Now, when New Yorkers fill out a public housing application, they also will be prompted to apply for SNAP benefits.

“Working with Senator Squadron to add the link to the SNAP program to our public housing application process helps fulfill two of our imperatives outlined in Plan NYCHA—to link our residents to critical services; and to overall improve NYCHA’s customer service,” said NYCHA Chairman John Rhea. “We appreciate input from elected officials like State Senator Squadron that help us better serve New Yorkers.”

The integrated applications are now live on the NYCHA website: NYCHA