Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income and other factors. Benefits. SNAP benefits can help you put healthy food on the table.Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to buy healthy food for you and your family when money is tight. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps) provides food assistance for nearly 1.8 million low-income New Yorkers. This deadline does not impact claims for skimmed Cash Assistance benefits. Click on the states in the map below that are currently participating in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot to see the participating retailers. Most students, ages 18 through 49, who are enrolled at least half-time in college or other institution of higher education are not eligible for SNAP benefits. Applying to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a retailer is a simple, online process that costs you nothing.