On Oct. 27, Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched a new SNAP and Medicaid resources page. The page will help New Yorkers navigate federal work requirements, determine eligibility for exemptions and to maintain access to food assistance.
The page asks New Yorkers to answer a series of questions about their enrollment, such as age, work status, education and more to help users understand changes to their qualifications, exemption statuses or action items to maintain eligibility.
Dr. Helen Arteaga, deputy mayor for health and human services, said in a press release from the Office of the Mayor that millions of New York City residents rely on programs like Medicaid and SNAP, according to Dr. Helen Arteaga, deputy mayor for health and human services.
“Health care and nutritious food are basic necessities that must be affordable and accessible to everyone,” Mamdani said. “While the federal government makes it harder for New Yorkers to put food on the table and get the health care they need, our administration is helping people keep the benefits they rely on.”
On March 1, 2026, expanded federal SNAP work requirements took effect for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, meaning that thousands of New Yorkers who were previously exempt had to meet federal work requirements to keep their benefits.
In September of 2026, Mamdani and AG Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the new public charge rule could endanger immigrants' use of public benefits, including SNAP. During the lawsuit announcement, Mamdani said that families, including those with children who are U.S. citizens, have already begun to forgo their benefits out of fear that their use of public benefits may be used against them.
On Jan. 1, 2027, new federal work requirements and additional rules for documentation could put approximately 900,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing their health coverage, according to a press release from the Office of the Mayor.
“As the federal government makes sweeping changes affecting thousands of New Yorkers, the Mamdani administration is stepping up to help those impacted,” said Dr. Alister F. Martin, NYC health commissioner. “Health care, housing and financial stability are foundational to healthy communities.”
The site will also connect users with SNAP and Medicaid hotlines, food banks, job boards and approved volunteer opportunities. Those who have lost benefits or who do not qualify for them can find information on the site about low- and no-cost health care through NYC Health + Hospitals’ programs.
