More than 22,000 New Yorkers abruptly lost their SNAP food-assistance in June, after expanded federal work rules kicked in and started closing cases, according to city data. That early wave of cutoffs represents millions of dollars in lost grocery money and lands hardest on younger adults and single men. City officials say they have managed to keep hundreds of thousands of residents enrolled, but food pantries and advocates warn the safety net is already creaking under the extra strain.
Data reviewed by Gothamist show more than 22,000 SNAP cases, about 1.3% of the city’s entire caseload, were closed in June alone. That translates to more than $5 million in lost assistance every month. Much of the drop is tied to recipients not meeting the newer ABAWD work-reporting rules for three straight months, according to the coverage.
The Mayor's Office counters that a massive outreach blitz has helped roughly 223,000 New Yorkers stay on the rolls, either by documenting that they qualify for exemptions or by getting them into compliance with the requirements. City teams, working with more than 100 nonprofits, CUNY campuses, hospitals and the Human Resources Administration, have canvassed thousands of households considered most at risk and set up volunteer and training options that meet federal standards.
Who Lost Benefits and Where
City figures provided to Gothamist show the people losing benefits skew younger. Most were adults between 18 and 35, and single men made up about 44% of the closed cases. Geographically, the hit is not evenly spread: roughly 42% of the closures were in Brooklyn and about 26% were in the Bronx.
The numbers also reveal how many households got partially knocked off the rolls. In about a third of the affected homes, the case was closed because the working-age adult failed to meet the new rules, even as other members of the household remained eligible.
What the Rules Require
Under ABAWD guidance posted by HRA, certain adults must now document roughly 80 hours each month of work, approved training or qualifying volunteer service. They also have to report those hours on time. If they fall short for three consecutive months, their SNAP benefits can be reduced or cut off.
The city’s ABAWD page walks people through how to read and respond to ACCESS HRA notices, submit medical exemption paperwork and use PACE appointments so that hours are properly counted and recipients are marked as compliant.
Food Pantries Brace as Demand Rises
Hunger-relief groups say the emergency food network was already stretched thin, and they expect things to get tougher as more administrative closures pile up and whatever savings people have run dry. Food Bank For New York City and other providers have called for new investments and stronger local partnerships so pantries can handle the surge in demand while the city continues its outreach campaign.
Help and Next Steps
New Yorkers who received a PACE notice or suddenly find that their EBT card did not reload are being urged to move quickly. They can call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) or log into ACCESS HRA to check for instructions on exemptions and how to upload documents.
Community organizations say residents who are confused or stuck in paperwork limbo should also turn to neighborhood food pantries and the city’s partner nonprofits. Many of those groups are helping people in person with SNAP paperwork and PACE appointments, in addition to handing out bags of groceries.
