New Rules Threaten SNAP For Many In New York

A new rule took effect this week that will make it more difficult for New Yorkers to secure or retain SNAP benefits. The federal government is finding ways to fund tax cuts for billionaires, and significantly slashing SNAP is one of the ways they are doing it. SNAP is a lifeline to many New York families and children, but none of that matters now that the current administration passed its 'Big Beautiful Bill'.

According to the Fiscal Policy Institute, New York State would need to allocate $2.1 billion annually to maintain current SNAP benefits.

"3.5 million New Yorkers – 18 percent of the state population – depend on SNAP benefits, which average $209 per month for a participant (about $2,500 per year). The OBBBA would threaten SNAP benefits for over 1 million New Yorkers, including 363,000 children."

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The Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that the new work requirements will soon cause around 281,000 adult New Yorkers to lose their benefits. Another 413,000 people could be at risk of losing eligibility. The sad part is that 363,000 children could lose their access to SNAP benefits due to the adults they live with losing their benefits.

What Are The New SNAP Requirements?

Starting this week, on September 1, 2025, the current administration added new rules and restrictions in order to reduce or completely eliminate benefits for many New Yorkers.

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- Recipients who are adults up to the age of 54 must have 20 work, education, training, or volunteer hours per week
- New Yorkers who don't have a dependent child under 18
- Recipients must report that they are meeting the requirements

And there's more. Beginning November 1,

- Adults 18-64 will need to meet the work and reporting requirements
- Parents who don't have a child under the age of 14
- Veterans, homeless people, or foster youth aged 18-24 will no longer be exempt

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