SNAP Work Requirements in New York

Check if the time limit applies to you Count your months

When the new rules started in New York

Because of a federal court case, New York's old waiver stayed in place for every district except Saratoga County, where the rules were already in effect. Everywhere else, adults subject to the rules had to start meeting them on March 1, 2026.

Waived areas in New York

USDA waived only two reservation areas from March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027. It denied the state's request for six New York City community districts.

• Tuscarora Nation Reservation
• Poospatuck Reservation

If you live in a waived area, months there do not count toward your 3-month limit. Your state still keeps track, so the limit can apply again when the waiver ends. Waivers can end early, so confirm with your SNAP office.

Your 36-month period

New York's last statewide period ran October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2026. NYC HRA says the count restarted October 1, 2026, so people who lost SNAP under the time limit can reapply now.

You can get SNAP for only 3 countable months in that period unless you meet the 80-hour rule or are exempt. The time limit calculator helps you count.

How to meet and report the 80 hours

Job and training program: SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T)

Paid or in-kind work, approved job training (including job search workshops, English classes and college courses), or community service for your required hours all count. OTDA posts an ABAWD Medical Statement and monthly participation forms. In New York City, send proof through ACCESS HRA.

Across all states, paid work, work for goods or services, volunteering, workfare and approved training count, and you can combine them. See what counts as work.

More New York details

• Earning at least $217.50 a week exempts you even if you work fewer than 20 hours. Tell your district.
• Report within 10 days after the month ends if your hours fell below 80.
• In NYC, HRA sets up an appointment with a contracted provider to help you find activities if you get an ABAWD notice.

Contact

• Agency: NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA); local social services districts; HRA in New York City
• Online account: ACCESS HRA (New York City)
• Phone: 718-762-7669 (718-SNAP-NOW, New York City HRA; outside NYC call your local district)

Federal rules that apply in New York

• Covered: adults 18 through 64 who can work, with no child under 14 in their SNAP household.
• Exempt: pregnancy; a health condition that keeps you from working; American Indian, Alaska Native, Urban Indian or California Indian; or being excused from the general work rules (caring for a child under 6 or a disabled person, unemployment benefits, 30 hours a week or $217.50 a week, half-time school, drug or alcohol treatment, TANF work rules). See all exemptions.
• Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt.
• If you lose SNAP, you can get it back by doing 80 hours in 30 days or becoming exempt. You can also ask for a fair hearing. See how to get SNAP back.