New York benefits for college students

Food assistance: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

New York's name for SNAP, run by New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), through local departments of social services (HRA in New York City). If you are enrolled at least half-time, you need a student exemption to qualify, such as working 20 hours a week, work-study or caring for a young child. If you are enrolled less than half-time, the student rule does not apply and only the regular SNAP rules do. See every exemption →

OTDA counts career and technical education (CTE) programs (as defined under the federal Perkins Act) at a SUNY or CUNY comprehensive college, technology college, or community college as comparable to SNAP Employment and Training. So a student enrolled at least half-time in a qualified CTE certificate or degree program there meets the student exemption, if otherwise eligible. Students at any of the 10 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOCs) enrolled at least half-time in a CTE program, remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language also qualify. The school verifies enrollment on form LDSS-5172. The temporary pandemic exemptions (work-study eligibility, $0 EFC) ended in 2023.

Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Health coverage: New York State Medicaid

New York has expanded Medicaid, so adults with low incomes, students included, can qualify based on income. All your health coverage options →

NY State of Health says that starting January 1, 2027 some adults 19-64 will have Medicaid work requirements (80 hours a month of activities or $580/month income). Going to school at least half-time counts (college or university, career and technical education, high school, GED; online or in person), and the school decides what half-time means. Less-than-half-time students can count 13 hours per credit hour per month. Adults just above Medicaid income (up to 200% FPL, $31,920 for one person in 2026) may qualify for the Essential Plan with $0 premiums.

Apply for New York State Medicaid

Child care help: Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Going to college or training can count, with limits. OCFS's CCAP eligibility page says CCAP may be available for families who need child care to work, look for work, attend employment training, or attend an education program, and tells families to contact their local social services district for which activities qualify. Rules vary by county: for example, Oneida County says non-TA families must work at least 10 hours a week and/or be in an approved program, and lists only high school/GED and approved 2-year college degree or certificate programs. Income limit is up to 85% of New York State median income (June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027).

Apply for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) · Help on campus (CCAMPIS) →

Phone and internet: Lifeline

New York State Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service: The NYS Department of Public Service says landline customers get a bill credit and a waiver of the federal subscriber line charge, and wireless customers get data/voice allowances and reduced rates (no dollar amounts given). New York also lets people qualify through two state programs, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Family Assistance/Safety Net Assistance; those applicants apply through their phone company instead of USAC. Who qualifies →

Apply for Lifeline (New York State Lifeline Discounted Telephone Service)

Taxes

If you qualify for and claim the federal earned income credit, New York gives a credit generally equal to 30% of it (reduced by any household credit); it is fully refundable for full-year residents. You and each qualifying child need a valid Social Security number. New York has no state-run filing app, but the Tax Department lists free options: Free File software for federal and state returns if 2025 federal AGI was $89,000 or less; its own Taxpayer Assistance Program (free in-person or virtual preparation and e-filing for AGI of $89,000 or less and investment income of $11,950 or less); IRS VITA/TCE; MilTax; and GetYourRefund.

Earned income credit (New York State) · Free state filing · Federal education tax credits → · Free federal filing →

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