Starting Jan. 1, many New Yorkers ages 19 to 64 will have to show they earn at least $580 or spend 80 hours a month working, studying or volunteering to qualify for or keep Medicaid. Some will have to renew every six months instead of once a year.
They’re the latest in a series of changes to safety net programs. About 26,500 New Yorkers lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under work rules that took effect in March, according to city officials. The changes also ended an automatic exemption from SNAP work rules for veterans who don’t have a qualifying disability. And some immigrants, including refugees, asylees, parolees and survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking, are no longer eligible for SNAP. Many have been moved from Medicaid to the Essential Plan, a separate state health insurance program.
On Tuesday, the city launched a website to help New Yorkers navigate these changes. It explains who still qualifies, how to stay eligible and where to find help. Many people who think they’ve lost eligibility may still qualify. This includes some who lost SNAP and can reapply now.
Here’s what else to know about the changes to SNAP and Medicaid, including key dates, federal work requirements and other eligibility rules.
Jump ahead
- What are the key dates to know?
- Who has to meet the new SNAP work rules?
- What are the new SNAP work rules?
- Who has lost eligibility?
- Who is exempt from SNAP work rules?
- What if I think I’m exempt?
- What if I lost SNAP benefits?
- What are the new Medicaid rules?
- Who may be exempt from the new Medicaid rules?
- Will I have to renew Medicaid more often?
- What if I have Medicare?
- Where can I get help?
What are the key dates to know?
- March 1, 2026: Expanded SNAP rules took effect.
- Oct. 1, 2026: New York’s three-year tracking period for the SNAP work requirements time limit restarted. Some people who lost benefits after reaching the time limit can reapply.
- Dec. 31, 2026: People who apply for Medicaid by this date will get 12 months of coverage before six-month renewals begin.
- Jan. 1, 2027: New Medicaid work requirements take effect. People who apply for Medicaid on or after this date will have to renew every six months.
- March 1, 2027: Existing Medicaid enrollees could start facing new requirements and six-month renewals when they renew.
Who has to meet the new SNAP work rules?
The expanded federal rules affect adults:
- Ages 18 through 64
- Who can work, AND
- Do not live with a child younger than 14.
On official paperwork, this group is called “Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents,” or ABAWD.
What are the new SNAP work rules?
To meet SNAP work requirements, ABAWD must spend at least 80 hours a month:
- Working a job,
- Participating in a job training,
- Volunteering in their community, and/or
- A combination of these.
People who don’t meet the work rules can still get SNAP for three months in a three-year period. The New York City Human Resources Administration, or HRA, sends recipients reminders and outreach explaining how to meet the requirements or qualify for an exemption.
For job-seeking New Yorkers, resumé workshops, job searches through websites like JobZone and Virtual Career Center and other activities approved by HRA.
The best way to find out if an activity counts is to call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) and ask.
Who has lost eligibility?
Starting March 1, 2026, the following New Yorkers lost automatic exemptions that make them eligible for SNAP benefits without having to meet work requirements:
- Veterans who do not have a severe disability
- Those experiencing homelessness
- Former foster youth under 25
Some immigrants are no longer eligible for SNAP, including refugees, asylees, parolees and survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking. As of Oct. 1, many of these immigrants have also lost eligibility for federally funded Medicaid. Some may still qualify for state-funded Medicaid or the Essential Plan, a state-run health program for people with low income.
Beginning in September, the state Department of Health began sending notices to people affected by these changes to let them know their eligibility would be reviewed under the new rules and ask for more information if needed. Green card holders generally remain eligible for both SNAP and Medicaid.
For help understanding how these changes affect you or your family, call the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs at 1-800-354-0365.
Who is exempt from SNAP work rules?
Anyone in the ABAWD category who earns $217.50 or more a week before taxes (based on the federal minimum wage x 30 hours) is exempt from the new ABAWD work-hour requirements for SNAP.
Other exemptions are based on life circumstances and may include people who:
- Are pregnant
- Have a disability or physical or mental health condition that prevents them from Meeting the work requirement
- Are caring for a child under 6 years old or someone with a disability who requires care
- Receive or are applying for unemployment benefits
- Participate in substance-use treatment
- Meet Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, work rules
- Are enrolled at least half time in a qualifying career and technical education program
Hunger Solutions NY offers more information about student eligibility for SNAP.
The City University of New York offers this list of qualifying career and technical education programs (updated Feb. 2026).
What if I think I’m exempt?
If you think you qualify for an exemption, check with HRA to confirm your eligibility and learn the next steps. If you plan to meet the ABAWD work requirement through volunteering, for example, HRA representatives can confirm whether the placement qualifies and how many hours count toward the requirement.
What if I lost SNAP benefits?
New York’s three-year tracking period for the SNAP time limit restarted on Oct. 1. That means people whose SNAP benefits ended because they reached the three-month time limit without meeting the work rules can reapply and may qualify again, even if they aren’t still meeting the requirements.
If they qualify, they can get SNAP for another three months. After that, they generally must meet the work rules or qualify for an exemption to keep their benefits.
The reset only applies to people who lost their SNAP because of the three-month time limit. It does not restore benefits that ended for other reasons, such as income or missed paperwork.
For help checking eligibility or reapplying, visit nyc.gov/workrules or call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669).
What are the new Medicaid rules?
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, many Medicaid applicants ages 19 to 64 will have to meet at least one of these new requirements:
- Earn at least $580 a month.
- Spend at least 80 hours a month working a job, attending school at least half time, participating in a job training or work program and/or volunteering in your community.
Combining earnings and qualifying activities to meet the requirements. Anyone currently enrolled in Medicaid could start facing these new requirements with renewals starting in March 2027.
Who may be exempt from the new Medicaid rules?
Exemptions under current state guidance include adults who:
- Are pregnant or were pregnant in the last 12 months
- Have certain disabilities or health conditions
- Care for a child younger than 14 or a person with a disability
- Are entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A, or enrolled in Medicare Part B
- Qualify for other exemptions, including those related to SNAP or TANF
The rules and exemptions can depend on a person’s circumstances. Check the state’s Stay Covered guidance for the latest information.
Will I have to renew Medicaid more often?
Starting next year, many adults ages 19 to 64 on Medicaid will have to renew every six months instead of once a year. When that starts for you depends on when you apply or renew:
If you apply before Jan. 1, 2027, or renew before March 1, 2027: You’ll get 12 months of coverage, then renew every six months after that.
If you apply on or after Jan. 1, 2027, or renew on or after March 1, 2027: You’ll renew every six months from the start.
If you’re American Indian or Alaska Native, or have a disability: You can keep renewing once a year.
What if I have Medicare?
Medicare and Medicaid are different programs. New Yorkers entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A, or enrolled in Medicare Part B, are exempt from the new Medicaid work requirement.
If you receive both Medicare and Medicaid, you should still respond to Medicaid renewal notices and check whether other eligibility or renewal changes affect your coverage.
Where can I get help?
SNAP
- SNAP hotline: Call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669).
- Online: Visit nyc.gov/workrules for guidance on work requirements, eligibility and food resources.
Medicaid and health coverage
- Medicaid hotline: Call 866-INSURED (866-467-8733).
- More Medicaid information: Visit nyc.gov/medicaidhelp
- Medicaid enrollment help: Call the NYC Health Department at 347-665-0214 for help with renewals or notices about the new requirements.
- NYC Care: Call 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-2273) to learn about the city’s health care program for New Yorkers who can’t afford or don’t qualify for insurance.
- NYC Health + Hospitals: Call 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692) for help with health insurance and financial assistance.
- Online: Visit nyc.gov/workrules for guidance on work requirements, eligibility and more.
Immigration
- Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs: Call 1-800-354-0365 for immigration-related legal help.
The city has also launched Health and Affordability Resource Teams, or HART, to help residents navigate benefits and connect with assistance.
For the latest eligibility information, consult the state’s SNAP work requirements page and Medicaid guidance, as well as the city’s resources above.
