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Roughly 6,000 people in Onondaga County must now prove they are working or volunteering to keep their food stamp benefits under new federal rules that took effect Sunday (March 1). The changes stem from H.R. 1, known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," which President Trump signed into law in July 2025.
The new requirements apply to people ages 18 to 64 who are considered "able to work" and do not live with a child younger than 14. Recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in an employment training program for 80 hours per month to maintain their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, according to Justin Sayles, a spokesman for Onondaga County.
However, most people will not feel the immediate impact of these changes. Clients who need to meet the new criteria are allowed three months in a 36-month period without working, Sayles said. This means the majority of affected recipients won't experience benefit cuts until June.
Several exceptions exist to the work requirement. Pregnancy and participation in a drug treatment program exempt individuals from the new rules. Additionally, people working 20 hours per week on a consistent basis typically satisfy the requirement without needing additional monthly reporting, thanks to New York's higher minimum wage.
Onondaga County has already contacted people who need to comply with the new requirements, providing directions about how to meet them. Barbara Guinn, commissioner for the state's office distributing food stamps, noted that volunteering in a community organization can satisfy the work requirement.
Recipients can report if they are unable to work 80 hours a month or if their wages already meet the threshold. Those already reporting consistent earnings to their district office may have the necessary information on file.
The changes affect approximately 480,000 New York residents statewide. People who do not meet the requirements are limited to receiving benefits for only three months within three years. Federal SNAP funding remains secure through the end of the current federal fiscal year.
More information about compliance forms is available at Onondaga County's website.