Long Islanders start to feel the effects of new work requirements for SNAP benefits
As News 12 has reported a three month clock started earlier this month for able-bodied adults between ages 18 to 64 without a dependent who are enrolled in SNAP benefits.
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Long Islanders who rely on SNAP benefits are starting to feel the effects of the new work requirements.
As News 12 has previously reported, a three-month clock started earlier this month for able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 64 without a dependent who are enrolled in SNAP benefits. If those Long Islanders are not working at least 80 hours a month, they'll lose access to SNAP.
A Town of Oyster Bay resident, who asked to remain anonymous, says it's been difficult. He's been relying on assistance since August.
"I need to put food on the table," he said. "I was using the SNAP benefits to purchase groceries. It's helped put food in my belly, to be honest."
He says he's been applying to jobs nonstop.
"I'm continuously trying to rebuild my career and get back on my feet," he said. "It's not easy. The job market is very difficult right now."
He said it's the fear of what will happen to SNAP benefits that's most unsettling.
"There's a lot of people that are out there that are relying on these benefits, not because they don't want to work, but because they genuinely can't find something else," he said.
Island Harvest Food Bank says about 180,000 Long Island residents receive SNAP benefits. They're already receiving calls with concerns and encouraging people to still apply for SNAP.
"If you live with a child who's under the age of 14, you're exempt from work requirements," said Gregory May, with Island Harvest. "But imagine trying to manage a household of older teenagers and having to work. It just becomes very difficult for folks."
The changes to SNAP benefits also affect groups that were previously exempt from work requirements, such as veterans and people experiencing homelessness.
Work requirements can be met through employment, volunteering, community service or education.
