Queens residents receiving SNAP or Medicaid should pay close attention to notices from the city and state as new federal work requirements take effect over the coming months.
The changes affect the two programs differently, with some SNAP requirements already in effect and new Medicaid rules scheduled to begin in 2027.
New York City has established a resource website, nyc.gov/workrules, to help residents determine whether the changes apply to them and what steps they may need to take to maintain their benefits.
Expanded work requirements for certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients began taking effect in March 2026. The rules generally apply to able-bodied adults without dependents, known as ABAWDs, between the ages of 18 and 64 who are not living with a child under 14 and do not qualify for an exemption.
Affected recipients generally must work or participate in approved activities for at least 80 hours per month. Qualifying activities may include employment, education, job training, and certain other approved programs. Those who fail to meet the requirements may face limits on how many months they can receive benefits during a three-year period. Exemptions are available for individuals with certain disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, and other qualifying circumstances.
Some recipients whose employment or school enrollment is already on record with the Human Resources Administration may not need to submit separate monthly reports. Others will be required to provide documentation of their activities.
HRA has also announced that the ABAWD compliance calendar restarted October 1, 2026. Individuals who previously lost SNAP benefits because they did not meet work requirements may now be eligible to reapply and receive additional time to comply.
Residents should check their cases through ACCESS HRA and make sure any exemptions, employment information, or qualifying activities are properly recorded.
Changes to Medicaid are scheduled to begin next year.
New federal work requirements will affect certain Medicaid applicants beginning January 1, 2027, and existing recipients when they renew their coverage beginning in March 2027.
The requirements generally concern some adults between the ages of 19 and 64, although numerous exemptions apply. These may include pregnant women, individuals with qualifying medical conditions or disabilities, and those caring for young children or disabled family members. Affected adults may have to document employment, schooling, job training, volunteer work, or qualifying income to maintain coverage.
Another significant change involves the frequency of Medicaid renewals. Some recipients who previously renewed their coverage annually will be required to do so every six months.
According to the New York City Health Department, nearly 3.6 million city residents are enrolled in Medicaid. The department estimates that as many as 900,000 could be at risk of losing coverage under the new requirements.
Families should also be aware that eligibility and work requirements may differ among members of the same household. A parent’s SNAP obligations, for example, do not necessarily affect a child’s Medicaid coverage.
Officials are urging recipients to keep their mailing addresses and contact information current, review all notices carefully, and retain records of employment, schooling, medical exemptions, and documents submitted to benefits offices.
In late October, the city introduced its new work rules website to explain the changes and help residents identify qualifying activities and exemptions.
The city has also established a Health and Affordability Resource Team to help connect affected households with enrollment assistance and other services.
Residents can visit nyc.gov/workrules or contact NYC Health enrollment counselors at 347-665-0214.
Additional assistance is available through HRA at 718-557-1399 and Commonpoint at 718-268-5057. ACCESS HRA can be reached online at www.access.nyc.gov.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
