New York City Mayor Mamdani recently reminded that as of June 1st, many New York City residents currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may lose their eligibility.
As part of the “Big and Beautiful Act” passed in 2025, the federal government has been mandating able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) to fulfill specific monthly work requirements to maintain their benefits starting from March 1st, in order to cut approximately $187 billion in SNAP funding over the next 10 years, equivalent to a 20% reduction.
According to these regulations, recipients must complete at least 80 hours of work, approved training, or education per month to receive assistance for more than three months every three years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that these changes are part of a broader initiative for accountability measures.
According to information released by the Governor’s office in August, it is anticipated that this policy adjustment will result in over 300,000 families in New York State losing some or all of their benefits.
City officials in New York have issued warnings regarding the new work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries by the federal government. According to the New York City Human Resources Administration (NYC HRA), these beneficiaries must comply with the new requirements starting from March 1st, with benefits potentially starting to decrease as early as June 1st.
“Work requirements for food stamps not only fail to create job opportunities but will exacerbate hunger,” Mayor Mamdani wrote in a post on platform X on May 20th. “If the federal government truly wants to help people find jobs, they should invest in public employment projects and guarantee a living wage.”
He also cautioned, “These regulations took effect on March 1st, which means benefits could start decreasing as early as June 1st.”
As of March 2026, over 1.7 million residents in New York City were receiving SNAP benefits. Typically, able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 referring to those who need to work include those with no children under the age of 14 at home; not pregnant; not caring for someone who cannot take care of themselves; and not incapable of working due to mental or physical reasons.
The Mayor reminded on platform X: For inquiries about being subject to these regulations and how to comply, please call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669).