Certain families in the state of New York will receive more SNAP benefits, known as food stamps, next month. Governor Kathy Hochul and other leaders celebrated the change in the food stamp program that will benefit food-insecure families.
In June, eligible families in the state of New York with school-aged children will see their SNAP benefits increase. However, there are some misconceptions about the necessary requirements to qualify for these SNAP funds. As explained by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the work requirement incorrectly assumes that SNAP beneficiaries must be unemployed to qualify, leading to confusion among those who wish to apply.
“This requirement is also based on the false premise that low-income people receiving benefits do not work and must be compelled to do so, an assumption rooted in unfounded stereotypes based on race, gender, disability status, and class. Most working-age, non-disabled adults who participate in SNAP are already working for pay or are temporarily between jobs,” the mentioned agency explained.
What is the ABAWD Requirement in SNAP Benefits?
The ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) rule is a regulation that states that adults without children under 18 years old, unless exempt, must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in specific training and education programs related to the workforce to be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.
On the other hand, those who do not meet this requirement and do not work or receive job training for at least 80 hours per month will be eligible to receive SNAP benefits for a maximum of three months within a total span of three years.
The ABAWD requirement applies to SNAP beneficiaries between 18 and 49 years old, but Republican representatives in the House want to increase the work age, which has sparked debates and clashes with Democrats.
However, residents receiving food stamps between 53 and 54 years old will face additional work requirements that they should consider and analyze by contacting their nearest SNAP office.
New York Will Distribute Summer SNAP Benefits to Children
A newly developed program will start operating in the state of New York offering permanent nutritional assistance during the summer, known as Summer Electronic Transfer or EBT Summer. All things considered, it will come into effect starting June 2024, and certain tribal nations, in addition to students in the state of New York, can receive food benefits of up to $40 per month with eligible school-aged children.
Out of the 2.8 million New Yorkers receiving food stamp benefits, the eight counties with the most beneficiaries are:
- Nassau County: 43,268
- Rockland County: 47,630
- Onondaga County: 67,256
- Westchester County: 75,469
- Monroe County: 106,612
- Suffolk County: 107,768
- Erie County: 143,716
- New York City (including all 5 boroughs): 1,720,679
Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotments Have Changed in NY
Since October 2023 until September 2024, SNAP benefits have increased following inflation so that beneficiaries do not lose purchasing power against rising prices.
As you may know, the maximum benefits a family can receive vary based on many variables, with the number of household members being a key factor. Therefore, for a single person, the maximum SNAP benefits to receive per month are $291, for a family of four $973, and for an eight-member family, up to $1,751.
As I have noted, you can check out this list to know the maximum amount based on household size:
- Household size 1: $291
- Household size 2: $535
- Household size 3: $766
- Household size 4: $973
- Household size 5: $1,155
- Household size 6: $1,386
- Household size 7: $1,532
- Household size 8: $1,751
- Each additional person: $219