9 New York Counties With The Most People On SNAP

As the federal government ramps up rules and regulations to make it more difficult for New Yorkers to get SNAP benefits, there are some counties that may be hit harder than others. New rules implemented by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will require many New Yorkers to lose their SNAP benefits, while others will face significant cuts. The current administration needs these budget cuts to help offset tax cuts for billionaires.

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

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."

One phase of the new rules started on Monday, September 1, 2025:

- 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

Another phase of rules will kick off on 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

Some counties may be hit harder by the new rules, since they have more residents who receive SNAP benefits. The 9 counties below have the most SNAP recipients.