Temporary Assistance

Step 1.Check Eligibility

Review the program eligibility guidelines to see if you or your family qualifies for TA. You can also take a quiz at mybenefits.ny.gov to see if you qualify for TA and any other state benefits.

Step 2.Gather Documents

You will need to collect the following information and documentation to submit with your TA application:

• Photo ID and/or citizenship status
• Recent pay stubs and income sources for all members of your household
• Social Security card or proof of SSN application
• List of household resources (bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles)
• Medical documentation, if applicable
• If you own your home: homeowner's insurance bill and mortgage statement or current property tax bill 
• If you pay for heat: utility company name and your account number

Step 3.Apply

Apply online at mybenefits.ny.gov. You have the choice of logging in or creating a ny.gov account, or applying with a guest account.

Step 4.Submit Documents

If you have any required documents that you did not include when applying, you can submit them online.

NYDocSubmit is a mobile application that allows you take pictures of your documents and submit them to the Ulster County Department of Social Services using your Apple iOS or Android Device. There is no need for you to take time off from work, stand in line or travel to the district office to drop off documents.

Android Download

iPhone Download

Step 5.Phone Interview

Once we have received and processed your application and documentation, you will be contacted for an interview. Most interviews are by phone (you can request a face to face interview).

Step 6.EBT Card Issued

If your application is accepted, you will be issued an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. Benefits will become 30 days after approval for Family Assistance and 45 days after for Safety Net.

Step 1.Check Eligibility

Review the program eligibility guidelines to see if your family qualifies for TA. You can also take a quiz at mybenefits.ny.gov to see if you qualify for TA and any other state benefits.

Step 2.Gather Documents

You will need to collect the following information and documentation to submit with your SNAP application:

• Photo ID and/or citizenship status
• Recent pay stubs and income sources for all members of your household
• Social Security card or proof of SSN application
• List of household resources (bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles)
• Medical documentation, if applicable
• If you own your home: homeowner's insurance bill and mortgage statement or current property tax bill 
• If you pay for heat: utility company name and your account number

Step 3.Complete Application

Visit our office to complete an application and submit your documents. Our staff will be able to assist you and answer any questions you might have.

If you prefer, you can download an application and then mail or fax it to our office:

Ulster County Department of Social Services-SNAP
1051 Development Court
Kingston, NY 12401

Fax: (845) 334-5226

Be sure to include copies of all required documentation!

Step 4.Phone Interview

Once we have received and processed your application and documentation, you will be contacted for an interview. Most interviews are by phone (you can request a face to face interview).

Step 5.EBT Card Issued

If your application is accepted, you will be issued an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. Benefits will become 30 days after approval for Family Assistance and 45 days after for Safety Net.

Learn more about using your EBT card