January 18, 2019 -- As the federal government shutdown nears the end of its fourth week, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Department of Social Services are helping residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access their February benefits early. If you received SNAP benefits in January and were scheduled to receive SNAP benefits in February, your February benefit will be made available now, rather than in February. Recipients can begin to use their benefits immediately.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “As the federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight, it’s understandable that our SNAP recipients are starting to feel the pinch. The SNAP program provides nutritional assistance to thousands of our eligible, low-income families, and we are happy to assist them with the process of accessing their benefits two weeks early. Every little bit helps.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Social Services Kevin McGuire said: “We share recipients’ concerns about their important Federal SNAP benefits, and are carefully monitoring developments at both the State and Federal levels to provide as much information and help as possible, and offer assistance to residents with questions about their benefits. Our Westchester County Case Management Information Center team can be reached at (914) 995-3333 and stands ready during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to answer any questions regarding these or other available benefits.”
The payment is the entire February SNAP benefit, not an additional payment for the month of January. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has not yet received any information on how the federal government shutdown may impact March SNAP benefits.
SNAP recipients are welcome to visit any of Westchester County’s DSS District Offices for assistance. They can also call the Westchester County Case Management Information Center at (914) 995-3333.