The July, 2026 passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill, officially known as H.R. 1, introduced new eligibility and funding requirements for states and individual recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Some eligibility requirements like the removal of the eligibility for non-citizens went into effect immediately. Other provisions like the work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) have yet to go into effect. However, starting next week, March 1, 2026, the new requirements for ABAWD’s will take effect. The new stricter requirements will cause many current SNAP recipients across the country to see reduced benefits or total loss of eligibility to benefits. Below are all of the new ABAWD requirements for SNAP and links to resources for individuals potentially impacted by the changes.
ABAWD Work Requirements
Note: These requirements apply nationally, not only to New York State recipients
Who is an ABAWD?
An ABAWD is a person who is: Aged 18 to 64, Not living with a child under 14, and able to work.
Does everyone need to follow the ABAWD work rules?
No. You might not have to follow the ABAWD work rules, if:
- You are younger than age 18, or age 65 or older
- Someone in your household is younger than age 14
- You receive disability benefits from a public or private source, such as Veterans Affairs or New York State disability benefits
- You are pregnant
- You are unable to work at least 80 hours per month because of a physical or mental health reason
- You are an Indian, Urban Indian, California Indian, or other Indian eligible for the Indian Health Services
You are excused from the General SNAP Work Rules because you are:
- A 16 or 17-year-old who is not the head of the household or who is in school or in an employment program at least half-time
- Unable to work because of a mental or physical health reason
- Taking care of a child younger than age 6
- Taking care of an incapacitated person
- Meeting the work rules under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
- Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits
- Participating in a drug or alcohol addiction treatment program
- Enrolled in a school, training program, or college at least half-time (students may be subject to other eligibility rules)
- Already working at least 30 hours per week
- Already earning $217.50 (30 times the federal minimum wage) or more per week, or An SSI applicant or recipient
What is the ABAWD time limit?
If you are an ABAWD, you must meet the ABAWD work rules to continue receiving SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 3-year period. This is also known as the ABAWD time limit. Once you use up the 3 months and you are not meeting the ABAWD work rules, you will lose your SNAP benefits. In New York, the current 3-year period started on October 1, 2023, and will end on September 30, 2026.
How can you meet the ABAWD work rules?
- Paid or unpaid work for 20 hours per week (80 hours per month)
- Learn job skills, approved by the social services district for 20 hours per week (80 hours per month), that can help you earn more money
- Volunteer or do a Work Experience Program assignment with local nonprofit or public service organizations (such as food pantries, parks, or libraries)
(Source: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance)
If you or your members are impacted by the changes to SNAP, here is a list of useful links to resources to help individuals find food assistance or application and administrative support for navigating food programs:
Food Access & Food Assistance
New York City:
National:
SNAP & WIC Navigation
New York City:
New York State:
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
At Foodstream our mission is to serve as the intelligence layer of food security. We continue to analyse and report on food policy and legislation that impacts our members. Follow us for more at Foodstream. If you have any questions about changes to food programs impacting you or your organization, email us at support@foodstreamnetwork.com. We are happy to assist.
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