By Bronx Mommy | Community News | October 17, 2026

Mayor Mamdani's administration has launched a citywide effort to help approximately 26,500 New Yorkers who lost SNAP benefits under expanded federal work requirements. Here's what you need to know.

For thousands of New Yorkers, SNAP benefits are more than financial assistance. They're an important part of putting food on the table, maintaining household stability, and making ends meet in one of the country's most expensive cities.

For those who recently lost their benefits, there may now be a path to receiving assistance again.

On October 1, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a citywide campaign to help approximately 26,500 New Yorkers who lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under expanded federal work requirements.

The administration is encouraging affected New Yorkers to reapply and take advantage of resources designed to help them navigate the process.

For Bronx families and individuals who rely on food assistance, understanding these changes and knowing where to turn for help is especially important.

SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, helps eligible individuals and households purchase groceries.

In March 2026, expanded federal work requirements took effect, changing eligibility rules for certain adults receiving SNAP benefits.

Under these requirements, some recipients must demonstrate that they are working, participating in an approved education or employment training program, volunteering, or completing another qualifying activity to maintain benefits.

Some individuals may qualify for exemptions, including certain medical or caregiving circumstances.

According to the NYC Mayor's Office, approximately 26,500 New Yorkers lost their benefits following these changes.

The city also reported that its earlier outreach efforts helped more than 220,000 New Yorkers maintain access to SNAP.

Yes. New Yorkers who lost SNAP benefits under the expanded federal work requirements became eligible to reapply beginning October 1, 2026.

The city's Human Resources Administration (HRA) explains that the work-requirement compliance calendar restarted on October 1. That means affected individuals can submit a new application and, if approved, have additional time to meet applicable work requirements.

However, reapplying does not automatically guarantee approval.

Eligibility depends on your current circumstances, including household information, income, applicable work requirements, and potential exemptions.

Even if you previously lost benefits, it's worth checking whether you qualify again.

New Yorkers can begin the process through the city's ACCESS HRA platform.

Go to https://www.nyc.gov/accesshra.

You can use the website to apply for SNAP, manage an existing case, upload documents, and check your application status.

If your previous SNAP case was closed, you may need to submit a new application rather than complete a routine recertification.

Follow the instructions provided by HRA for your specific case.

You can also apply by mail or in person at an HRA SNAP Center if you prefer not to complete the application online.

SNAP applicants generally must complete an eligibility interview.

You can call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) after submitting your application to complete an interview by telephone.

In-person assistance is also available at SNAP Centers.

Depending on your situation, you may be asked to provide documents such as:

• Identification
• Proof of income
• Proof of residence
• Household or expense information

You can upload requested documents through the ACCESS HRA mobile app.

HRA will help determine which specific documents are needed for your application.

Log in to ACCESS HRA to review your case, check for messages, and see whether additional steps are required.

Regular SNAP applications generally receive a decision within 30 days, although certain households may qualify for expedited assistance.

If you recently lost SNAP benefits or believe you may qualify for an exemption from the work requirements, assistance is available.

SNAP Hotline: 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669)

SNAP telephone interview assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except city holidays.

You can also call the NYC Human Resources Administration at 718-557-1399 for general questions about applications, eligibility, or an existing case.

Free language interpretation services are available.

If you're unsure where to begin, calling for guidance may help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary delays.

Not everyone affected by the expanded federal SNAP work requirements must satisfy the same work-related conditions.

Certain medical circumstances, caregiving responsibilities, and other qualifying situations may affect whether someone must meet these requirements.

If you believe an exemption applies to you, contact HRA and ask about the documentation or steps needed for your specific situation.

Don't assume that losing benefits previously means you cannot qualify again.

Eligibility rules can be complicated, and changes in your circumstances may affect your case.

The Bronx is home to families and individuals who depend on public programs to help manage the rising costs of everyday life.

When food assistance is interrupted, the impact can extend beyond groceries. It can affect a household's ability to keep up with other essential expenses and create additional stress for parents, caregivers, and individuals already navigating financial challenges.

And sometimes, one of the biggest barriers to getting help is simply knowing where to begin.

Government programs can be complicated. Eligibility rules change, paperwork can feel overwhelming, and important information doesn't always reach the people who need it most.

That's why sharing accurate, accessible information matters.

Whether you personally need assistance or know a neighbor, relative, or friend who recently lost SNAP benefits, helping someone find the right resources can make a meaningful difference.

If you've lost SNAP benefits, don't assume your options have run out.

Review your eligibility, contact HRA if you need assistance, and find out whether you can reapply or qualify for an exemption.

And if you know someone who might benefit from this information, please share it.

At Bronx Mommy, we believe communities become stronger when families have access to the information and resources they need.

Because sometimes, helping someone starts with making sure they know where to turn.

Apply or manage SNAP benefits:

https://www.nyc.gov/accesshra

SNAP assistance and interview hotline:

718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669)

HRA general assistance:

718-557-1399

Official NYC SNAP eligibility and application guide:

https://access.nyc.gov/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/

NYC information and referrals:

Dial 311

NYC Mayor's Office, October 1, 2026

Mayor Mamdani Launches Citywide Push to Get SNAP Benefits Back to New Yorkers

NYC Human Resources Administration

SNAP Work Requirements and Reapplication Information

Information is current as of October 17, 2026. This article is provided for informational purposes. SNAP eligibility is determined by the appropriate government agency. Bronx Mommy is an independent community media platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NYC Mayor's Office.