Do changes to work requirements for SNAP benefits affect me?

Due to changes in federal law following the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive SNAP for only three months in a 3-year period if they do not meet certain work requirements. This is called the ABAWD time limit. Starting November 1, 2025, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–64 must document 80 hours/month of work, education, or volunteering to maintain SNAP benefits. Read the information below to see if the new work requirement rules apply to you, how to comply, more information about exemptions and barriers, and other questions.

What are SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits?

• SNAP provides monthly food benefits via EBT cards to eligible low-income households. Eligibility varies by income level and household composition.

What are the new SNAP ABAWD work requirements?

• Under federal law, childless adults aged 18-64 may only receive SNAP for 3 months in a 3-year period unless they meet a stringent work requirement.

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act that passed in July of 2025 included cuts to SNAP as well as expanded work requirements.
• The work requirements were waived during the Covid-19 pandemic as many SNAP recipients lost their employment or could not work.
• The last waiver was set to expire in February of 2026 but in October of 2025, the USDA announced that it would terminate the waiver, and the work requirements would begin on November 1, 2025.
• Starting November 1, 2025, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18–64 must document 80 hours/month of work, education, or volunteering to maintain SNAP benefits.

How will I know if I’m subject to ABAWD rules?

• NYC’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) will send a Work Activity Letter Notice outlining the work requirements to recertifying recipients/applicants that they have deemed ABAWD.
• Individuals who are not meeting work requirements will be sent a separate notice to make an appointment with HRA’s PACE provider that assists recipients/ applicants find qualifying work activities.
• HRA began sending these notices to existing SNAP recipients on October 20, 2025.

What counts toward the 80-hour monthly requirement?

• Paid or in-kind work
• HRA approved work/training programs
• Veteran employment programs
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs
• Community service or work experience approved by HRA

Are there any exemptions to the work requirements?

• Being medically certified as unfit for employment because of physical or mental health reason
• Being pregnant
• Being responsible for a child under 14
• Already meeting general SNAP work requirements

• Receiving disability benefits from a public or private source, such as Veterans Affairs or New York State disability benefits
• If you are an Indian, Urban Indian, California Indian, or other Indian eligible for the Indian Health Services, or
• You are excused from the General SNAP Work Rules because you are:
  • A 16 or 17-year-old who is not the head of the household or who is in school or in an employment program at least half-time
  • Unable to work because of a mental or physical health reason
  • Taking care of a child younger than age 6
  • Taking care of an incapacitated person
  • Meeting the work rules under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
  • Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
  • Participating in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
  • Enrolled in a school, training program, or college at least half-time (students may be subject to other eligibility rules)
  • Already working at least 30 hours per week
  • Already earning $217.50 (30 times the federal minimum wage) or more per week
  • An SSI applicant or recipient.

What should I do if I have a medical or mental barrier to work?

• Complete the Medical Statement Form with your medical provider.
• Return the completed form to HRA via:
  • ACCESS HRA mobile app or NYC HRA Document Upload App
  •  Mail to P.O. Box 29008, Brooklyn, NY 11202
  •  Fax to 917-639-2544
  • Drop off at an HRA SNAP Center

How do I report work/qualifying work activities/income to HRA?

• Using SNAP Case Change feature in ACCESS HRA to add job and pay information to case
• Submit proof using ACCESS HRA mobile app or NYC HRA Document Upload App
• If within recertification period or due to submit periodic report, report it at that time.
• VisitHRA SNAP Center

What happens if I don’t meet the ABAWD requirements?

• If you fail to meet the requirements for 3 months in a 36-month period, you may lose your SNAP benefits.
• During the month of November ABAWD rules begin and HRA will assess new and recertifying SNAP applicants to determine if they must comply.
• December 2025 is the first month SNAP recipients deemed ABAWD must comply with requirements.
• March 2026 is the first month that SNAP benefits may be impacted for non-compliance. 

Who can I contact with questions?

• Call 718-SNAPNOW (718-762-7669) or visit NYC HRA ABAWD Info Page

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.