Broome County Department of Social Services (BCDSS) predicts roughly 2,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will have to comply with the new federal work requirement that went into effect March 1.
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill signed in July, SNAP recipients who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) will need to work at least 20 hours a week or participate in qualifying work-related activities like job training or volunteer service to maintain benefits.
Able-bodied adults without dependents are adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have children under 14 in their household and are physically and mentally able to work.
BCDSS expects the initial number of people needing to comply with the new regulations to increase each month now that unhoused individuals and recipients between the ages of 60 and 64 are considered ABAWD.
The number of work hours is determined by the SNAP benefit divided by the state minimum wage. In some cases, the hours end up totaling less than 20 hours.
Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in the termination of benefits. For more information about the SNAP work requirements, visit otda.ny.gov
How has Broome County prepared to help SNAP recipients?
Ahead of the new SNAP work requirement deadline, Broome County DSS sent out written notices and offered in-person information sessions to get recipients prepared.
The notice contained information on how to remain eligible, a work log form and documentation of five job applications that must be shared within 10 days from the date on the notice. Supervised job searches will be available for individuals looking for employment opportunities through the Broome County Career Center.
Additional staff have also been hired as part of the 2026 Broome County budget to help assist with the new requirements. DSS staff are undergoing training for the Broome County United Way Volunteer HQ platform to help recipients navigate volunteer opportunities.
How SNAP Employment & Training program assists with new work rules
Recipients will work with their caseworker to create an employment plan as part of the initial assessment, which will be updated to reflect any changes. Employment plans do not apply to individuals who are considered exempt from the work requirement.
Educational courses can be considered qualified work for individuals who have not obtained a high school diploma after completing an assessment and literacy/math test to determine eligibility.
BCDSS will also partner with local school districts, the American Civic Association and BOCES to offer services like Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency diploma preparation, and English Language Instruction.
For individuals looking for employment, BCDSS will also collaborate with local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs to connect recipients to job training opportunities.
What is considered eligible work under new SNAP requirements?
Who is exempt from the ABABWD requirement?
Case workers should be informed by their client if any of the exemptions describe their current situation.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: How Broome County DSS is assisting residents with new SNAP work rules
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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