Some New Yorkers who rely on food assistance will soon face stricter rules to keep their benefits, as federal work requirements for certain adults on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, take effect in the state.
The changes, set to begin March 1, apply to “able-bodied adults without dependents,” a federal category that generally includes people 18 to 64 who are considered able to work and do not live with a child under 14. Unless they qualify for an exemption, those adults will have to document at least 80 hours per month of work, job training or other approved activities to receive SNAP for more than three months in a three-year period.
For Albany resident Redeemer Dixon, who is out of work after an injury, SNAP and her neighborhood food pantry are already stretched thin.
“For me and my daughter, well, I get $532,” she said. “They provide me, but it’s just not enough to conquer demand.”
State officials estimate that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers could be touched by the rule change, though many are expected to qualify for exemptions once they are properly screened. They urge SNAP recipients between 18 and 64 who do not live with a child to watch their mail, respond to calls from their local social services office and ask about exemptions or work programs if they are worried about losing benefits.
Federal data show food-at-home prices rose about 2.4% over the 12 months ending in December 2025, adding pressure for low-income households.
“The average SNAP benefit in New York covers less than two meals per day,” said Krista Hesdorfer, director of public affairs at Hunger Solutions New York. “So, it is hard to stretch that and make the math work and buy the groceries that your family needs.”
Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said the returning rules are federally mandated but noted that there are many exemptions.
“(The requirement) applies to individuals between the ages of 18 and 64, but there are a number of exemptions,” she said. “So, if someone is unable to work 80 hours a month, they need to make sure that the social services district knows that.”
Advocates emphasize that pregnancy, certain disabilities and caregiving can excuse someone from the time limit.
“If they are pregnant, for example, or have a disability. Maybe they’re caring for a young child. There are certain circumstances that would excuse someone from having to comply with the requirements,” Hesdorfer said.
Guinn said the state is directing local social services districts to actively reach out to affected recipients.
“We also are requiring each social services district to make sure they’re not only informing people of the requirement, but offering assistance to help them so that they can maintain their SNAP,” she said. “Our goal is definitely to do whatever we can to help people maintain those critical SNAP benefits.”