Yisroel R.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has launched a new citywide effort to make it easier for thousands of New Yorkers who lost their SNAP benefits under new federal restrictions to reapply and get back into the program.

Around 26,500 New Yorkers lost their SNAP benefits after new federal work requirements went into effect. With those residents now able to reapply, the City is reaching out directly to those affected and offering help with the process.

As part of the effort, the City will help residents reapply for SNAP and determine whether they qualify for an exemption from the federal work requirements. Those who are required to meet the new rules can also receive help finding jobs, job-training programs, education, volunteer work, or community service that can count toward the requirements.

The City is working with more than 100 community organizations to provide qualifying opportunities and help residents navigate the new rules. New Yorkers looking for assistance can also call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669).

The new effort follows months of outreach by the Mamdani administration ahead of the federal changes. The City says it knocked on 10,000 doors, made 40,000 direct phone calls, and held dozens of trainings and events to help residents understand the new requirements and determine whether they qualified for exemptions.

According to the Mayor’s Office, those efforts helped more than 220,000 New Yorkers maintain their SNAP benefits despite the new federal requirements.

The latest push is now focused on the approximately 26,500 residents who did lose their benefits, helping them navigate the reapplication process and, when possible, regain access to the food assistance program.

photo: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.