SNAP Isn’t Gone—But You’ve Got to Show Up: What New Yorkers Need to Know About the New Work Rules

While headlines across the country scream about massive food stamp cuts and families being thrown off assistance, let’s be clear about one thing: New York is not a doom-and-gloom scenario when it comes to public help. The game has changed, yes—but that doesn’t mean the help is gone. What it means is this: if you’re willing to show up, do your part, and engage with the system, you can keep your benefits and even move toward something better.

The New Rules—What Changed?

Under the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law on July 4, 2025, able-bodied adults ages 18 to 55 without disabilities must now complete 80 hours per month (about 20 hours per week) of work-related activity to stay eligible for SNAP.

That doesn’t mean you need a full-time job. That doesn’t mean you need to be on someone’s payroll. It means you need to be involved in something productive—work, training, community service, volunteering, or education.

If you’re doing that, you won’t lose your benefits.

So Why Are People Losing SNAP?

Because they’re not connecting with the programs.
Because the rules changed fast, and many weren’t told.
Because paperwork gets lost, or people don’t respond to notices.

And yes—because some choose not to engage.

According to the Fiscal Policy Institute, about 281,000 New Yorkers will immediately lose benefits and another 400,000+ are at risk, many of them because they’re unaware of how to comply or don’t know what’s available.

But here’s what isn’t being said loud enough:

There are dozens of ways to meet the 80-hour requirement—and New York will help you do it.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re on SNAP or close to someone who is, here’s what matters:

• Contact your local HRA or county DSS immediately. Ask for an Employment & Training referral.
• You can volunteer at a nonprofit, church, food pantry, or local organization.
• You can join a job training or education program.
• You can split hours across multiple activities—like 10 hours volunteering, 10 hours training.

And if you’re struggling with transportation, child care, or work-related expenses—New York State provides support services like MetroCards, child care vouchers, work clothes, and more.

If something blocks you—tell your caseworker. You may qualify for a temporary exemption.

This Isn’t Just a Requirement—It’s an Opportunity

Is this system perfect? No. Does it make it harder for people to coast? Yes. But if you step into it with intention, it can actually be a turning point.

You’ll build structure. You’ll get connected to people and opportunities. You’ll gain skills. You’ll access child care and transportation. Most importantly, you’ll keep your food security in place while moving toward independence.

Don’t Wait for Help—Get in Position to Receive It

Too many in our community are reading the headlines and giving up. But this moment calls for clarity, not panic.

New York didn’t abandon us. But it is asking us to be accountable.

This is the message we need to spread: SNAP is still here. Help is still here. But if you want to eat, you’ve got to move your feet.

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Need Help?

• Call NYC HRA Info Line: 718-557-1399
• Visit your local county DSS office
• Search: “SNAP E&T Provider near me”
• Reach out to local churches, community centers, or workforce nonprofits