NYC helps 26,500 regain food stamps
Mayor Mamdani launches outreach campaign to assist residents reapplying for SNAP benefits after federal work requirements took effect.
By Carolina Wood ·
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani launched a campaign on Wednesday to help approximately 26,500 residents recover their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The initiative targets households that lost access to food assistance after the federal government resumed work requirement compliance on October 1, 2026.
Residents must reapply through the ACCESS HRA portal if their entire household case was closed. If only one adult was removed while the rest of the household continues to receive SNAP, that person must request a change in the same portal. Individuals who believe they qualify for an exemption due to health issues or caregiving responsibilities can call 718-762-7669.
The current 36-month compliance period concludes on September 30, 2029. Eligible participants have a new three-month window to meet requirements before benefits are reduced or terminated. The first potential reduction or loss of benefits under this new cycle is scheduled for January 2027.
Federal rules expanded by the One Big Beautiful Bill took effect on March 1. Adults began losing benefits in June after accumulating three months without meeting work or approved activity thresholds. To maintain eligibility, recipients must work or participate in approved education or training programs for at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. Approved job search activities and volunteering with authorized organizations also count toward the requirement.
The city’s outreach effort has targeted a disproportionate impact on young single men. According to the Mayor’s office, 1.6% of SNAP households lost benefits. Since January, city workers knocked on 10,000 doors and made 40,000 direct calls. The administration also partnered with more than 100 organizations.
City officials organized virtual seminars for over 6,500 staff members, nearly 50 trainings, and more than 40 community events. These interventions reduced the projected number of people losing SNAP benefits by 65%. More than 98% of eligible recipients retained their assistance through this outreach program.
