New SNAP Work Rules Take Effect in Monroe County

County Executive Bello hosts town halls to explain changes to food assistance program eligibility.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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New federal work requirements for some SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients took effect on March 1 in New York, impacting thousands of residents in Monroe County. Previously, individuals deemed ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) aged 18 to 54 had to comply with work rules, but the recent H.R. 1 Bill extended that age range up to 64.

Why it matters

The changes to SNAP eligibility rules are expected to affect a significant number of low-income residents in Monroe County who rely on the food assistance program. County Executive Bello is hosting town halls to help explain the new requirements and ensure residents understand how they may be impacted.

The details

The new federal work rules require ABAWD SNAP recipients aged 18 to 64 to either work, volunteer, or participate in a job training program for at least 80 hours per month in order to maintain their benefits. Failure to comply could result in recipients losing their SNAP assistance.

  • The new SNAP work rules took effect on March 1, 2026.
  • County Executive Bello is hosting a series of town hall meetings throughout March 2026 to explain the changes to residents.

The players

Adam Bello

The Monroe County Executive who is hosting town halls to inform residents about the new SNAP work requirements.

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What’s next

County Executive Bello will continue hosting town hall meetings throughout March to provide more details on the SNAP eligibility changes and answer questions from residents.

The takeaway

The new SNAP work requirements are expected to have a significant impact on low-income residents in Monroe County who rely on food assistance. County leaders are working to educate the community and ensure residents understand how they may be affected by the changes.