Federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will take effect on November 1, 2025. In response, the Westchester County Department of Social Services has launched the “Protect Your SNAP” campaign to inform and support residents affected by these changes.
The federal government has adjusted eligibility rules for SNAP recipients without dependent children. The upper age limit for certain work requirements is increasing from 54 to 64, while the exemption for those with dependent children now applies only if the child is younger than 14, rather than younger than 18. These changes mean that more older individuals and those with younger children must meet work requirements to receive food assistance for more than three months in a three-year period.
Previously, SNAP recipients classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) were those aged 18-54 living without dependent children under 18. The new regulations also remove exemptions from ABAWD work rules that had applied to veterans, homeless individuals, and current or former foster youth ages 18-24.
Current SNAP guidelines require ABAWD recipients to work or participate in qualified training programs at least 80 hours per month in order to continue receiving benefits beyond three months within a three-year span. The Department of Social Services’ Office of Work Activates offers connections to jobs, training, and other opportunities for those who need to meet these requirements.
Through outreach via press releases, social media, community groups, and direct contact under the “Protect Your SNAP” campaign, Westchester County urges affected individuals to contact Department of Social Services case workers to ensure they comply with the new rules.
County Executive Ken Jenkins stated: “We are closely following these changes to SNAP made by the federal government. We want to make sure that people in need in Westchester don’t go hungry. That’s why we’re reaching out every way we can to get the message out. It’s crucially important that everyone impacted reach out to us now to make sure they remain eligible.”
Department of Social Services Commissioner Leonard Townes added: “If you are a SNAP recipient today and you get a letter from us including an appointment time and date for you to meet with a member of our staff, please read this letter, attend this appointment or call the number in the letter to schedule an more appropriate time. We want to make sure you are in compliance so that you are able to keep food on the table. Also, if you have previously been in an exempt category or believe you have a good-cause exemption, we need to be able to evaluate that. Don’t put things off or disregard the notice as just another government mailer. Time is of the essence, and we are here to help you navigate the changes.”
Further details about SNAP eligibility and updated work requirements can be found on both the Westchester County DSS website and the New York State Offices of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
