SNAP Participation Decreases Before H.R. 1 Cuts Are Fully Implemented H.R. 1 made deep cuts to federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), resulting in decreased access and increasing food insecurity nationwide. Between the bill’s July 2025 enactment and January 2026, SNAP participation fell by more than 3 million people nationwide, an eight percent drop. New York is among the 36 states where SNAP participation declined by five percent or more. Hunger Solutions New York is working to ensure that communities have the information and resources they need to navigate the H.R. 1 SNAP changes. Visit our H.R. 1 page for updates and tools as they develop. |
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ABAWD Time Limit Rule in Effect in New York State The federal Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) rule limits how long non-working adults can receive SNAP benefits. Unemployed, non-disabled adults ages 18 to 64 in households without a child under age 14 can only receive SNAP benefits for a total of three full months in a 36-month period unless they meet an exemption, satisfy work requirements, or live in an area with a waiver. Use these resources when working with SNAP participants: |
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Changes to Non-Citizen SNAP Eligibility Rules Started April 1 H.R.1 significantly narrowed SNAP eligibility for non-citizens. Some categories of non-citizens are no longer eligible for SNAP unless their status has been adjusted to Legal Permanent Resident (LPR), while others are eligible only under certain circumstances. Both new applicants and households recertifying must have their immigration status reviewed and verified. For more information on the changes and an updated Non-Citizen Eligibility Chart, see our SNAP Prescreening Guide. |
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SNAP and Public Charge “Public charge” is a test in federal immigration law used to determine whether certain non-citizens can enter the country or become lawful permanent residents. The test mainly applies to people seeking a green card through a family member. The current public charge rule, which took effect in December 2022, states that immigration officials cannot consider a person’s use or potential use of SNAP as a factor in a public charge test. This rule is based on federal guidance from 1999, stating that public benefit programs related to health care, nutrition, and housing will not impact an individual’s immigration status. In November 2025, USCIS published a proposed rule on public charge that would rescind the 2022 rule. This proposal does not formally replace the 1999 federal guidance with a new public charge policy, although it suggests a broader approach to public charge that may: - Allow consideration of any public benefit
- Consider past or current use of benefits, regardless of how long or how recently they were used
- Consider the benefits received by family members
The 2022 public charge rule is still in effect until a new rule is finalized. For resources and updates, see our SNAP and Public Charge page. |
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