Transcript:
News Anchor:
New work requirements for SNAP benefits are now in effect.
Aaliyah Cardenas, Senior Manager, Volunteer Engagement:
Federal work requirements are in effect, and the pressure is on.
News Anchor:
Nearly two hundred and fifty million low income New York City residents are affected by this.
Aaliyah Cardenas:
Hi. I’m Aaliyah, and I’m the senior manager of volunteer engagement at Food Bank for New York City. I know you might be overwhelmed with everything that’s going on with SNAP right now. Changes to requirements can be overwhelming, but today we’re here to make sure that you get the benefits that you’re entitled to, so we’re gonna break it down for you.
New SNAP work requirements, known as ABAWD requirements, went into effect as of March first. That stands for Abled Body Adults Without Dependents. This affects how long some New Yorkers are able to receive their SNAP benefits.
You’re probably wondering who falls into the category of an able-bodied adult without dependents. Are you between the ages of eighteen and sixty four years old? Do you have no child under fourteen? Are you not pregnant?
Are you taking care of someone who cannot take care of themselves? And are you able to work? Then you are considered an ABAWD. If you have a medical or mental health condition that prevents you from working, you might qualify for an exemption through your medical or mental health provider.
Check out this link for the ABAWD medical statement form.
It’s important to know if you fall into the ABAWD category because if you do not comply with the new work requirements, you could lose your SNAP benefits starting on June first.
If you’re an abled body adult without dependents or live in a household with an ABAWD, you will receive a Work Activity Notice in the mail from the NYC Department of Social Services, otherwise known as DSS, Human Resources Administration, otherwise known as HRA. This letter will inform you of how to comply with the new work requirements. Letter started going out in October of twenty twenty five. If you believe you meet the work requirements or should be exempt, contact HRA at seven one eight seven six two seven six six nine or seven eighteen SNAP NOW. If you don’t meet the work requirements, HRA will make an appointment with a contracted provider to help you find work that qualifies.
Well, if you work paid or unpaid for at least twenty hours per week, eighty hours per month, you meet the work requirements. You can work less than twenty hours per week, but you need to make sure you make at least two hundred and seventeen dollars and fifty cents per week. And kind work also counts. For example, bartering your services, doing building maintenance work in exchange for a rent reduction.
There’s also the possibility of participating in work training programs. This also needs to be twenty hours per week. This includes skills training, English language instruction, or activities like college courses, certifications, or credential program.
Lastly, you can volunteer with local nonprofits like us at Food Bank for New York City. We’d love to have you help power our mission forward. You can also volunteer at public service organizations like food pantries, parks, or libraries.
Volunteering has a caveat though. The number of hours you volunteer is based on your SNAP benefits divided by local minimum wage. So if you get two ninety eight dollars in SNAP benefits and minimum wage in New York City is seventeen dollars an hour, you have to volunteer seventeen and a half hours each month. I hope this helps shed some light on the changing landscape.
For more information, visit our website at foodbanknyc.org where you’ll find the number to HRA and also have access to our easy to use SNAP tool where you can find out whether or not you qualify in just minutes. While you’re there, visit our find food map where you’ll have the ability to see whether or not you have a food pantry or a mobile pantry near you. Keep an eye on our website and our social media channels @foodbank4nyc for the latest information. I’m Aaliyah.
Thanks for watching. And remember, as New York City’s food bank, we’re here to help.
