Reminders for New Yorkers with SNAP Work Requirements

New federal SNAP requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents
(ABAWDs) took effect in New York on March 1, after the expiration of a
longstanding statewide waiver. Under the new rules, certain New Yorkers
aged 18 to 64 without a child under 14 – who are not pregnant or caring for a
person who cannot care for themselves, and who do not have a disability that
prevents them from working – are now required to meet work or activity
requirements to continue receiving SNAP benefits beyond three months in a three-year
period.

Tips for Impacted New Yorkers

• Notify Your Local SNAP District Office of Work Activities: To remain eligible for
  SNAP, you may need to complete at least 80 hours per month of paid work,
  volunteer service, or other approved training activities.
• Explore Possible Exemptions: If you earn at least a certain income level (for
  example, over $217.50 per week), you may be exempt from the ABAWD rules
  without 80 hours of work. You may also be eligible to claim an exemption if you
  have health barriers, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances that
  affect your ability to meet the work requirement. Contact your local district to
  discuss your situation and provide any required documentation.
• Use Available Resources: SNAP Employment & Training programs, job centers,
  and community organizations can help you find work, training, or volunteer
  opportunities that count toward your hours.

For assistance and more information, New Yorkers can contact their local SNAP district office
or visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s website.

The Public Benefits Unit provides legal assistance to persons who experience problems with public benefits
programs that are administered by the local Departments of Social Services, including:

Welfare (TANF and Safety Net)
Medicaid
Food Stamps (SNAP)
Child Care Assistance
HEAP
Emergency shelter for the homeless
Unemployment insurance appeals and overpayments
Other emergency assistance programs

We also assist low-income households in establishing Supplemental Needs Trusts to eliminate the Medicaid
spend-down and assist homeless families in obtaining rent supplements from DSS to enable families to leave
the shelters or retain permanent housing. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100, and Suffolk residents can
call 631-232-2400.