TL/DR –
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers are at risk of losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to new work requirements laid out in the Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill”. Starting November 1, all states must comply with the policy that adults with children aged 14-17, and people aged 55-64, are no longer exempt from a work requirement to receive benefits. State agencies can apply for waivers in areas with unemployment rates surpassing 10%, however, the ongoing congressional budget stalemate and shutdown could further affect the disbursement of SNAP benefits.
Almost 3 million New Yorkers risk losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to new work requirements from congressional Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” being implemented in a few weeks.
The rules, effective Nov. 1, require all states to fully comply with a policy and tax law passed in July, removing the work requirement exemption for adults with children aged 14 to 17 and individuals aged 55 through 64.
Waivers can be requested by state agencies if unemployment exceeds 10% in certain areas.
Thursday data released by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office reveals the number of individuals reliant on SNAP benefits across New York’s 26 congressional districts.
The 15th Congressional District, represented by Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres and located in the Bronx, has the highest number of SNAP recipients at 272,857.
Despite their rural nature, the 19th, 21st, 23rd, and 24th districts each have between 85,000 and 90,000 recipients.
As of August, the state Department of Labor reports the highest non-seasonably adjusted unemployment areas as the Bronx at 7.8%, New York City boroughs between 5% and 6% and St. Lawrence County at 5.3%. These figures fall well below the 10% waiver threshold.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, has cautioned state agencies against sending some files to contractors, affecting the EBT cards loaded at November’s start, due to an ongoing congressional budget impasse and shutdown.
The letter warns if the appropriations lapse continues, approximately 42 million individuals nationally won’t receive full November SNAP benefits.
States will have to shoulder more SNAP cost as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” increases their responsibility to 75% of administrative costs starting 2027 fiscal year.
“SNAP recipients, mainly children, older adults or disabled, rely on SNAP monthly. Given the current high costs of food, rent, and energy, food assistance is crucial,” noted Barbara Guinn, state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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