New York City has launched an outreach campaign for about 26,500 people who lost SNAP (food stamp) benefits after the federal government expanded work requirements. They can reapply starting Oct. 1. For questions, call 718-762-7669 or use the ACCESS HRA app.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on the 1st that the city is launching an outreach campaign to help residents who lost SNAP (food stamp) benefits after the federal government expanded work requirements to reapply. About 26,500 residents lost benefits, and they became eligible to reapply starting Oct. 1. Those who need help can call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) or get guidance through the ACCESS HRA app or at nyc.gov/ACCESSHRA.
The federal government expanded SNAP work requirements on March 1. Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must now meet the requirements to keep their benefits, and from June, a "three strikes" rule took effect under which benefits are reduced or cut off if the requirements are not met for three months. According to the city's Department of Social Services (DSS), 1.6% of SNAP households in New York City lost benefits, most of them young men without children.
The requirements can be met by working at least 20 hours a week (80 hours a month), participating in an approved job training or education program for the same number of hours, or volunteering with an approved organization for a number of hours set according to the benefit amount. Other recognized activities, such as approved job searching, also count. Some people are exempt for reasons such as medical conditions or caregiving, and the city said it will also help confirm exemptions and gather the necessary documents.
The city said that since January, Public Engagement Unit staff have visited 10,000 households and made 40,000 phone calls, and have partnered with more than 100 community organizations to create volunteer and training opportunities that can satisfy the requirements. As a result, more than 220,000 residents kept their benefits, and more than 98% of those affected held on to SNAP. The city estimated that more than $800 million in food assistance was preserved.