The federal government is set to tighten the rules for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), requiring New York State to implement stricter “work requirements” starting in November. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers who rely on food stamps may risk losing their benefits within a few months if they cannot provide sufficient proof of work or training.
According to the new federal regulations, able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 must demonstrate at least 80 hours of work, volunteer service, or educational training per month, or else they can only receive benefits for up to three months within a three-year period. Originally scheduled to take effect in February 2026, this new rule has now been moved up to November this year.
Molly Wasow Park, the Commissioner of the New York City Social Services Department, criticized the time limit as “nearly impossible to meet,” pointing out that many low-income individuals work part-time or in gig economy jobs with unpredictable hours, making it difficult to consistently provide work documentation.
Currently, about 1.8 million people in New York City receive food stamps, including 500,000 children. The city estimates that approximately 240,000 beneficiaries will be impacted by the new rule, which for the first time also covers groups previously exempt from work requirements, such as the homeless, veterans, foster youth, and parents with children over 14.
Anthony Farmer, a spokesperson for the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, told Gothamist that the federal cuts will force the state and city to bear more administrative costs and share 15% of the welfare expenses for the first time, criticizing that this will “weaken the foundation of the program.” Governor Hochul has pledged to continue ensuring that vulnerable families receive necessary resources.
Representing the food relief organization City Harvest, Jerome Nathaniel warned that the Food Stamp Office is understaffed, and the actual implementation pressure will fall on nonprofit organizations and community groups.
The new rule will be implemented starting on November 2nd. If beneficiaries fail to meet the requirements, they could potentially lose their benefits as early as March next year. The city and state governments have promised to release guidelines promptly and urge beneficiaries to seek assistance through organizations such as Hunger Free America and Hunger Solutions New York.
While the current federal government “shutdown” has not yet affected the distribution of benefits in October, there may be risks to the funding for November if the shutdown persists.