Long Islanders who lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits because of federal work requirements may reapply beginning Oct. 1.
New York begins a new three-year tracking period for SNAP work requirements on Oct. 1, meaning previous months counted against recipients under the prior three-year period will no longer carry over. The previous period ran from Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2026.
Federal rules generally limit SNAP benefits for certain able-bodied adults without dependents who do not meet work requirements to three months within a three-year period. Under current rules, the designation generally applies to adults ages 18 through 64 who do not qualify for an exemption. To remain eligible beyond the three-month limit, recipients generally must work or participate in qualifying employment, education or training activities for at least 80 hours per month, or meet another qualifying work requirement.
Exemptions are available in a number of circumstances, including for some people with disabilities or health limitations, pregnant people and people living with a child under age 14.
“We want our neighbors to know that if they recently lost SNAP benefits, changes to the program’s eligibility requirements may mean they can apply again and receive the assistance they need,” Island Harvest Director of Government Relations and Strategic Planning Gregory May said in a statement.
New Yorkers can apply or reapply for SNAP at MyBenefits.ny.gov.
Island Harvest also offers assistance with SNAP applications at 631-873-4775 or snap@islandharvest.org. People seeking emergency food assistance can text their ZIP code to 631-450-3775.
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