Some New York City residents receiving national food aid, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, will be required to prove that they are working, volunteering or studying or risk losing their benefit starting on March 1.
New York State has started to implement new, stricter rules for Able-Bodies Adults With Independents (ABAWD), who now must work or participate in training for 80 hours per month to avoid losing their SNAP benefits, according to the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Here is a breakdown of the new rules, enacted by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act," signed by President Donald Trump on July 4th, 2025.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Work Rules
- Who is an ABAWD?
- An ABAWD is a person who is:
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- Aged 18 to 64,
- Not living with a child under 14, and
- Able to work.
Does everyone need to follow the ABAWD work rules?
No. You might not have to follow the ABAWD work rules, if:
- You are younger than age 18, or age 65 or older,
- Someone in your household is younger than age 14,
- You receive disability benefits from a public or private source, such as Veterans Affairs or New York State disability benefits,
- You are pregnant,
- You are unable to work at least 80 hours per month because of a physical or mental health reason,
- 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, or
- An SSI applicant or recipient.
How can you meet the ABAWD work rules?
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Paid or unpaid work for 20 hours per week (80 hours per month)
Examples include:
Having a job where you work at least 20 hours per week or earn at least $217.50 per week, even if you work less than 20 hours per week.
Doing in-kind work by exchanging your services for something other than money for at least 80 hours per month (for example, doing building maintenance in exchange for a reduction in rent).
Learn job skills, approved by the social services district for 20 hours per week (80 hours per month), that can help you earn more money.
Examples include:
Doing job searches, workshops on resumé writing, or other training approved by your local district. Some of these activities can be done online at websites like JobZone and Virtual Career Center.
Job skills training programs, English language instruction, or educational activities — including college courses, certifications, or credential programs — that help you prepare for work.
Community Service/Volunteer
The number of hours you would need to participate in community service or volunteer work is based on your SNAP benefit divided by the state minimum wage. For example, if you get $300 in SNAP and the state minimum wage in your area is $16.00, then you have to complete 18 hours of community service or volunteer work each month. ($300 ÷ $16.00 = 18 hours).
Volunteer or do a Work Experience Program assignment with local nonprofit or public service organizations (such as food pantries, parks, or libraries).
June 2026 is the first month that SNAP benefits may be impacted for non-compliance, according to the Legal Aid Society. You can also call 718-SNAPNOW (718-762-7669) or visit NYC HRA ABAWD Info Page for more information.
