Your Food Stamps Could Be Cut Off Tomorrow — East New York, Read This Now

Federal Work Requirements Take Effect June 1 — Here's What East New York Residents Need to Know Before It's Too Late

East New York residents gather food at a community distribution event. Photo: Deric Johnson / The East New York Times

If you or someone you know receives SNAP food stamp benefits in East New York, you need to read this today.

Starting Monday, June 1, thousands of New York City residents could see their food stamp benefits cut off without warning under new federal work requirements from the Trump administration's "Big Beautiful Bill." The city estimates 43,500 New Yorkers are currently at risk. Across New York State, more than 300,000 households could be affected.

What changed: New York State previously had an exemption from federal SNAP work requirements due to high unemployment. That exemption expired. As of March 1, 2026, certain adults ages 18–64 must now prove they are working, volunteering, or in school for at least 80 hours per month to keep their benefits. The three-month grace period ends June 1.

Who is affected: You may be at risk if you are between 18 and 64 years old, do not have children under 14 at home, and have not yet documented your work, volunteer, or training hours. This includes veterans, seniors who recently retired, young people aging out of foster care, and people experiencing homelessness — groups that were previously protected.

What You Can Do Right Now

Check your status at nyc.gov/AccessHRA or on the ACCESS HRA app
Call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) to speak with the Human Resources Administration
Document your hours — even volunteer work counts. Community service of 14–17 hours per month qualifies
Don't wait — even if your benefits are cut June 1, the city says you can still reach out and get them reinstated

The most important thing to know: It is not too late. Even if your card shows no balance on June 1, call HRA immediately. City workers are actively reaching out door-to-door across the five boroughs this weekend to help residents get into compliance before the deadline.

The East New York Times will continue reporting on how federal benefit cuts are affecting our community. If you or someone you know has been impacted, email us at info@eastnewyorktimes.com.

Sources: NYC Human Resources Administration, Gothamist, CNBC, NYC.gov