Need help applying for SNAP benefits? The Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach team provides free, confidential SNAP pre-screening and application assistance across our service area, bringing food security within reach for individuals and families.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the largest nutrition assistance program in the U.S., helping millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families access essential groceries. In addition to making nutritious food affordable and accessible for households, every dollar in SNAP generates greater economic activity locally.
Data collected July 2024 through June 2025.
SNAP meals attributed to Food Bank outreach
applications submitted with a 93% approval rating
counties with SNAP satellite offices, including Cayuga, Jefferson, Lewis,
Onondaga, and Oswego
Recent changes to federal legislation have established new rules for SNAP eligibility beginning March 1, 2026. Adults, ages 18-64, who are able to work and do not live with a child under 14, must now work, train, or volunteer for 80 hours per month to keep SNAP benefits longer than 3 months in a 3-year period.
Answers to frequently asked questions are listed here, including exemptions for time-limited benefits. If you think you should be exempt – or if you have any questions not listed here – please contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or contact a Food Bank SNAP Outreach team member in your county.
New rules from the federal government now require that all adults, ages 18-64, that are able to work, and do not live with a child under the age of 14 must meet certain work rules to continue receiving SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 3-year period. This includes unhoused individuals, veterans, and foster youth, ages 18+.
If you think you should be exempt from the time-limited benefits requirements, please contact your local Department of Social Services.
Current SNAP recipients who are adults ages 18-64, able to work, and without a child under 14 will stay under the old rules until their next recertification or their status changes.
A person may not need to meet the time-limit requirements if they are:
- Younger than 18 or older than 65;
- Living with a child under 14;
- A recipient of disability benefits from a public or private source (such as NYS disability benefits or Veterans Affairs);
- Pregnant;
- Someone with a physical or mental health condition that limits their ability to work;
- 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 program;
- Going to school, college, or a training program 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;
- Receiving or applying for SSI;
- An Indian, Urban Indian, California Indian, or other Indian eligible for the Indian Health Services
Please let your local Department of Social Services know if any of these exemptions apply to you or someone in your household.
Individuals affected by the new time limit requirements can keep your SNAP benefits by doing one of the three items listed below:
- Paid or unpaid work for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). This includes having a job where you work at least 20 hours per week or earn at least $217.50 per week, even if working less than 20 hours. You may also do in-kind work by exchanging your services for something other than money for at least 80 hours per month, like doing building maintenance in exchange for a reduction in rent.
- Learn job skills for 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). Examples include doing job searches, workshops on resume writing, or other training approved by your local DSS. You may also participate in job skills training programs and/or educational activities including college courses, certifications, or credential programs.
- Community service/volunteer. The number of hours you would need to participate in volunteer work is based on your SNAP benefit divided by state minimum wage. For example, if you receive $300 in SNAP and the minimum wage in your area is $16.50, then you need to complete 18 hours of community service each month ($300 ÷ $16.50 = 18 hours). Consider volunteering with a local nonprofit like your nearest food pantry, park, or library.
You must submit proof of how many hours you are working, volunteering, or participating in skills training. Talk to your local Department of Social Services to make sure you know what kind of proof to show and where you should submit it.
If you lose your SNAP benefits as a result of not meeting the time-limit requirements, you should contact your local Department of Social Services, who can explain what you need to do to start receiving SNAP benefits again.
If your organization is a public or nonprofit entity that can offer volunteer opportunities, please consider becoming a volunteer site to help neighbors with time-limited benefits. Offering volunteer opportunities can:
- Increase your community impact by getting more people involved in your organization’s activities and mission
- Help people gain skills that lead to better jobs and independence
Your local Department of Social Services can help refer individuals to your organization; contact your local DSS today to learn more.
If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about changes to time-limited SNAP benefits, please use the resources below:
Need help applying for SNAP benefits? The Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach team provides free, confidential SNAP pre-screening and application assistance across our service area, bringing food security within reach for individuals and families.