New federal work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) take effect across New York on March 1, and anti-hunger advocates are warning that hundreds of thousands of residents could be at risk of losing food assistance — not necessarily because they’re ineligible, but because they may not know they qualify for an exemption.
The updated rules require many adults without young children to document at least 80 hours per month of work or approved activity to continue receiving benefits long-term.
“SNAP has actually had work requirements for quite some time,” said Krista Hesdorfer, Director of Public Affairs at Hunger Solutions New York. “But they have been waived in most parts of New York.”
That waiver has now ended under a federal budget bill passed last summer, triggering stricter enforcement statewide.
What’s Changing?
The rules, often referred to as the “able-bodied adults without dependents” requirements, limit certain adults to just three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period unless they:
* Work at least 80 hours per month
* Participate in approved job training or community service
* Or document that they qualify for an exemption
“The federal budget bill effectively ends New York’s waiver of those rules,” Hesdorfer said. “So now people across the state who have been held harmless will now be affected by the time limit.”
The legislation also expands who must comply. Advocates estimate that an additional 200,000 New Yorkers who were previously exempt will now be subject to the requirements.
Who Must Meet the 80-Hour Rule?
Under the new policy, individuals must comply if they:
* Are between ages 18 and 64
* Do not have children under 14 in their household
* Are deemed able to work
One significant change affects older adults.
“The groups who are newly subject to the work rules include older adults age 55 to 64 who were previously exempt,” Hesdorfer said. “We’re really concerned about the impacts on that age group, knowing that many people face ageism when trying to find a new job later in life.”
Households with children 14 and older are also newly included. At the same time, exemptions that previously covered veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and people experiencing homelessness were eliminated in the federal bill.
Overall, between 300,000 and 500,000 New Yorkers could be affected. Nearly 3 million residents participate in SNAP statewide.
“Many people are not subject to these rules and should continue to receive benefits without disruption,” Hesdorfer emphasized. About 30% of SNAP participants in New York are children, who are not subject to work requirements.
The Exemptions — and Why They Matter
Advocates say the key to preventing unnecessary hunger lies in ensuring eligible recipients properly claim exemptions.
“You may be exempt if you are outside the age range of the policy,” Hesdorfer explained. That includes individuals under 18 or 65 and older, as well as households with a child under 14.
Other common exemptions include:
* Physical or mental health conditions that limit ability to work 80 hours per month
* Receiving disability benefits, such as VA or New York State disability
* Receiving or applying for SSI or unemployment benefits
* Pregnancy
* Caring for a young child or an incapacitated person
* Participation in drug or alcohol treatment programs
* Enrollment in school or job training at least half-time
* Already meeting work requirements through another program
Hesdorfer noted that the term “able-bodied adults without dependents” can be misleading and stigmatizing.
“Many people have disabilities and they don’t necessarily share that information,” she said. “I would encourage anybody to hear that term with skepticism.”
Research from previous SNAP work requirement rollouts found that people with disabilities who should have been exempt lost benefits at the same rate as those required to comply.
“That’s why communication about exemptions and the screening process is so critical,” Hesdorfer said.
What Documentation Is Required?
Documentation requirements vary depending on the exemption. In some cases, self-attestation may be sufficient. In others, recipients may need verification from a medical provider.
New York State has developed standardized templates to reduce paperwork burdens.
“It really feels to me like there’s an effort from our state agencies, local agencies, and community partners to make sure people can keep their benefits and minimize paperwork barriers,” Hesdorfer said.
Anyone who receives a notice indicating they may be subject to the new rules should read it carefully and contact their caseworker immediately if they believe they qualify for an exemption.
“They are there to help you,” she said.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Hesdorfer expressed particular concern for:
* Individuals with unreported disabilities or mental health conditions
* Adults aged 55 to 64
* People without stable housing or transportation
“Work rules are inherently flawed,” she said. “Someone might have housing one month and not the next, or their car breaks down — and now they could lose their food assistance too. No one should have to worry about that.”
Ripple Effects on Food Banks and Local Economies
Advocates warn that food banks cannot absorb large-scale SNAP losses.
“SNAP is by far our largest anti-hunger program. For every one meal that a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine,” Hesdorfer said. “Food banks and food pantries can’t simply fill the gap.”
As food costs remain high and demand continues to climb post-pandemic, she said the ripple effects could extend to housing stability, health outcomes, and local economies.
“When people lose their SNAP benefits, they may face impossible choices,” Hesdorfer said. “Do I pay the rent or buy groceries? Do I pay my utility bill or pick up my medication? Nobody should ever have to make those choices.”
What If Benefits Are Wrongly Cut?
Recipients have the right to request a fair hearing if they believe a decision was made in error. An administrative law judge reviews the case and can order corrections if needed.
How to Get Help
Hunger Solutions New York operates a statewide network of 86 SNAP navigators through its Nutrition Outreach and Education Program. Navigators provide free assistance with applications, documentation, and exemption screening.
“We’re focused on equipping our network of SNAP navigators,” Hesdorfer said. “They’re extremely well trained in every aspect of SNAP policy, including these new rules.”
New Yorkers can find their local navigator at foodhelpny.org or contact their county social services office directly.
As the March 1 implementation date approaches, advocates are urging recipients not to ignore official notices — and to ask questions if they are unsure of their status.
“Our goal is to make sure as many people as possible can keep their benefits,” Hesdorfer said.
