New York SNAP Work Rules 2026: What to Do If You Lost Benefits

On June 1, 2026, thousands of New Yorkers received a notice warning them that their monthly food benefits could end. The reason: new work requirements that took effect on March 1, 2026. Nearly three million New York residents depend on SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps) to feed their families — and these changes put many of them at risk.

Who Do the New Rules Affect?

The new rules apply to people the government calls "Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents," or ABAWDs. You may be affected if all of the following are true: you are between 18 and 64 years old; you do not live with a child under 14; you do not care for someone who cannot care for themselves; and you do not have a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working. These rules apply even if you are homeless, a veteran, or a young adult aging out of foster care.

If the rules apply to you, you must document each month that you did at least one of the following: worked (paid or unpaid) at least 20 hours per week — or 80 hours per month — or earned at least $217.50 per month; participated in an approved job training program for 80 hours per month; or volunteered for an eligible program for a set number of hours per month. That last number depends on where you live. To calculate it, divide your monthly SNAP benefit by your local minimum wage. For example, if you receive $300 per month in SNAP and the minimum wage in your area is $16.00 per hour, you need to complete 18 hours of volunteer work per month. In New York City, Long Island, or Westchester — where the minimum wage is $17.00 per hour — the same $300 benefit means you need about 17.6 hours per month.

What Happens If You Miss the Requirement?

The current ABAWD time-limit period runs through September 30, 2026. If you fail to meet the monthly requirement for three months during this period — even if those months are not in a row — you risk losing your SNAP benefits. For example, if you did not meet the requirement in April, June, and August, you could lose your benefits. If you received a notice but believe you should be exempt — because you are pregnant, have a disability, are enrolled in school at least half-time, or are in a drug or alcohol treatment program — contact your local social services department right away and explain your situation.

What to Do

• If you got a notice about losing SNAP benefits, contact your local social services department immediately and explain why you believe you should be exempt from the work rules.
• If you cannot work due to a medical condition, ask about a medical exemption form. In New York City, the WeCare program can connect you with a health professional who will complete the form at no cost.
• If you believe your exemption was wrongly denied or your hours were not counted correctly, you have the right to request a hearing to appeal the decision. Nonprofit legal organizations such as Legal Aid Society, Legal Services NYC, NY Legal Assistance Group, Empire Justice Center, and Urban Justice Center can help you prepare.
• If you already lost benefits and need food now, find your nearest food pantry or community fridge. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, pregnant, or have a child under five, you may also qualify for the WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children), which provides food assistance regardless of immigration status.