Some SNAP terminations are happening because on March 1, 2026, new work rules began for some people who get SNAP benefits (food stamps) who are called Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). If you are an ABAWD, you will need to meet work requirements to keep getting SNAP benefits for longer than 3 months in a 3-year period. The current 3-year period ends in September 2026, and the next 3-year period will begin after that.

If you are an ABAWD, and you fail to meet the work requirements, your SNAP case can be closed.

If you get a notice saying your SNAP benefits are ending because you did not follow the ABAWD work rules, you can act right away to:

• Request a Fair Hearing to challenge the decision AND
• Contact HRA
  • Go to a SNAP Center in person, or
  • Call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669)

You can tell HRA that:

• You want to keep your SNAP benefits, and
• You will meet the work requirements, or
• You have a reason you cannot meet the work requirements

Important: If you do not take these steps, you may lose your SNAP benefits.

You may be considered an ABAWD if you are:

• 18 to 64 years old, and
• You do not live with a child under 14, and
• You are not pregnant, and
• You are not taking care of someone who cannot care for themselves, and
• You do not have a health condition that keeps you from working.

HRA looks at each person’s situation. There may be other exceptions.

If you have a medical or mental health issue that makes it hard to work:

• Ask your doctor, therapist, or other provider to fill out a Medical Statement form.
• Send the form to HRA in one of these ways:
  • Upload it using the ACCESS HRA app or HRA Document Upload app, (We recommend this method if you can download and use the app.)
  • Mail it to: SNAP Program, P.O. Box 29008, Brooklyn, NY 11202,
  • Fax it to: 917-639-2544, or
  • Drop it off at a SNAP Center.

If you do not meet one of the exceptions above, you are an ABAWD. ABAWDs must follow work requirements to keep SNAP benefits. To keep SNAP for more than 3 months in a 3-year period, you must do one of the following:

This can include:

• Doing paid work earning at least $217.50 per week,
• Going to college and meeting SNAP’s rules for college students,
• Doing one of the following for at least 80 hours per month / 20 hours per week:
• Working (including “in-kind” work),
• Joining an HRA-approved work or training program,
• A veterans’ job program through the Department of Labor or VA,
• Job search, skills training, or education through WIOA or Trade Act programs,
• A mix of work and training.

• Do volunteer work or a work activity approved by HRA.
• The number of hours depends on your SNAP benefit and the state minimum wage.

• If HRA thinks you are an ABAWD, you will get a Work Activity Letter in the mail.
• If you are not already working, in school, or in a program, HRA will set up an appointment to connect you with work activities.
• You must attend this appointment. Remote options are available.

If you already work, let HRA know and send proof like paystubs. You can:

• Upload documents through the ACCESS HRA app or HRA Document Upload app,
• Report during your recertification or periodic report, or
• Use the SNAP Case Change feature in ACCESS HRA.

• If you do not follow the ABAWD rules, you may lose SNAP after you have received it for 3 months in a 3-year period.
• Report your work and attend appointments to protect your benefits.

HRA is continuing to screen SNAP applicants and recipients to see if they are exempt from SNAP work requirements and/or from the ABAWD time limit.

If you think you qualify for a medical exemption, you can submit a Medical Statement form to HRA. It is best to submit it before the rule goes into effect on March 1, 2026.

HRA says that if you have questions about the ABAWD rules, you can call HRA at 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669).

For legal assistance with ABAWD problems, you can call Legal Aid’s Access to Benefits Helpline at 888-663-6880 from Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.