With New Yorkers facing an increase in the price of food as well as gas prices this summer, some relief is on the way for about 115,000 of the state’s neediest residents in the form of greater federal food-stamp benefits. The average monthly increase will be $118. Nearly 90,000 households in New York City will see average monthly hikes of $131, and 25,000 households in the rest of the state will get average monthly increases of $72.

Gov. David Paterson announced today that the state would expand eligibility for energy assistance by offering a small benefit to households that had not previously been in line for them. That will trigger a greater monthly food-stamp allocation because people who receive energy assistance get a greater allowance for energy costs through food-stamp budgeting rules.

“Rising food and commodities prices are affecting all New Yorkers,” Paterson said in a statement. “Increasing food-stamp benefits for some of our state’s most vulnerable residents will truly make a difference in their lives and help them to better meet their families’ nutritional needs.”

Sen. Liz Krueger, a food stamp advocate before she became a state senator, said some of the poorest New Yorkers living in certain types of housing have not been eligible for very much in federal food stamps because of “overly complex” budget rules in the program. Krueger is a Democrat from Manhattan.