Supporting SNAP Recipients through Community Service Requirements
Due to changes in federal law, HRA now requires some New Yorkers to meet work or community service hours to keep SNAP benefits. Volunteering counts.
Background
What are ABAWD requirements?
Due to changes in federal law, NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) was required to implement SNAP eligibility requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). ABAWD identified individuals will be required to comply beginning March 1, 2026. To learn more about eligibility and requirements visit the HRA website.
These required hours worked are also referred to as "work requirements" but can include community service hours or volunteer hours completed.
Visit the SNAP Work Requirements Frequently Asked Questions site for more details →Eligibility
Do these rules apply to you?
Most able-bodied adults between 18 and 64 now need to meet the requirement. Some groups are still exempt.
✅ Still exempt
- Pregnant
- Living with a child under 14
- Have a physical or mental disability
- 65 or older
- Medically unable to work
- Enrolled in qualifying job training
📋 Likely need to meet requirements
- Ages 18–64, able to work
- Parent of a child 14 or older
- A veteran (exemption removed)
- A former foster youth 25+ (exemption removed)
- Ages 55–64 (newly included)
Not sure? Contact your NYC HRA caseworker or visit nyc.gov/hra to check your status.
Eligible Opportunities
What organizations and volunteer opportunities count?
NYC Service hosts eligible volunteer projects through New York City-based 501(c)(3) organizations that agree to NYC Service's terms and conditions. Organizations listed on the NYC Service website must list volunteer opportunities and support volunteers, ensuring time is tracked and verified as required by HRA.
Qualifying volunteer opportunities include a broad range of community service activities. Note that opportunities cannot include tasks or responsibilities normally performed by paid staff.
For Organizations
Registering as a referral resource with DSS and HRA
Organizations may request to register with DSS and HRA to be listed as a referral resource for individuals seeking volunteer opportunities. DSS/HRA will review requests and follow up to assess your organization or program's capacity, structure, and readiness.
DSS and HRA do not necessarily require 501(c)(3) status - houses of worship, mutual aid groups, and similar organizations may participate through the SEVSP or CSP pathways described below.
Ready to register your organization?
DSS/HRA will follow up to assess your capacity and readiness.
Registration Pathways
Two ways to register and support SNAP clients
Choose the pathway that best fits how your organization operates:
1
Structured Community Service Provider
CSPGood fit for: Organizations that need help every day, every week, or at predictable times - such as every Tuesday or during a standing service window.
How it works
Your organization signs a formal written agreement - called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - with DSS/HRA. This agreement outlines your roles, responsibilities, and how you will receive and host volunteers on a regular, ongoing basis.
Working with PACE Providers
In this pathway, your organization coordinates with a PACE provider - an operational bridge between HRA and your organization. PACE providers handle referrals, support clients connected through cash assistance systems, and help ensure your volunteer activity is compliant and countable toward SNAP requirements.
Your organization's responsibility: Track and report volunteer participation in coordination with your PACE provider, as outlined in your MOU.
2
Self-Enrolled Voluntary Service Provider
SEVSPGood fit for: Participants with an existing relationship with a community organization who want to continue volunteering there, rather than being assigned elsewhere.
How it works
Your organization registers directly with DSS/HRA and is listed as a verified volunteer site. Individuals can independently sign up to volunteer with you - no MOU or PACE provider involvement required.
Who handles documentation
In this pathway, the participant - not your organization - is responsible for submitting documentation to DSS/HRA. Your role is simply to confirm the type of activity and the hours completed.
Your organization's responsibility: Verify and sign off on each volunteer's activity type and hours. The participant submits the paperwork to DSS/HRA.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? DSS/HRA will assess your organization's capacity, structure, and readiness when you submit a registration request - they can help guide you to the right fit.