FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 5, 2009
GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON ANNOUNCES FOOD STAMP APPLICATION NOW ONLINE IN JEFFERSON, LEWIS AND MADISON COUNTIES
Website Eases Access to Vital Benefits for Working Families
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that residents of Jefferson, Lewis and Madison Counties can now, for the first time, apply directly for food stamps online through the State's website, myBenefits.ny.gov .
The latest advancement of the myBenefits site enables individuals to apply directly for food stamps from any computer with Internet access, at any time convenient for them. This pilot project was kicked-off in Jefferson, Lewis and Madison Counties, and will be expanded to other counties in the coming months.
"No one should go without the benefits for which they are eligible. By launching this online application pilot project, we're taking steps to ensure all eligible New Yorkers have access to the food stamp program," said Governor Paterson. "The myBenefits website will provide a single source for New York State's families and community partners to connect with benefits, services and work supports - an e-government hub for human services."
The myBenefits site allows New Yorkers to complete a simple online prescreening to determine whether they are likely to qualify for multiple benefits - including food stamps, home energy assistance, the Earned Income Tax Credits, child and dependent care credits, Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus and school lunch programs, among others. Plans call for including additional program screenings through myBenefits over time, with the ultimate goal of allowing individuals and families to apply for an array of programs by answering one set of simple questions online.
Governor Paterson has made the economic security of New Yorkers a priority of his administration. Under the Governor's leadership, New York has taken dramatic steps to streamline access to and increase enrollment in the Food Stamp Program. In June, Governor Paterson announced that New York became the first State in the nation to allow WIC checks to be used at farmers' markets, enhancing program participants' access to fresh produce. Earlier this year, the Governor released an additional $1 million in emergency funding to food banks across the State to help them meet the rising demand for assistance.
With roughly 15,000 pre-screenings completed each month via myBenefits.ny.gov, this innovative website has evolved rapidly from its launch last year. Residents of 25 counties can already submit food stamp applications with the assistance of community organizations. This vital tool has enabled eligible New Yorkers to more easily connect with work support benefits and other programs designed to help low-income working families and individuals make ends meet.