SNAP’s ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) work requirements began March 1, 2026. SNAP recipients without exemption must participate in work or work-related activities (such as job searching, training, education, or in-kind work) or volunteer with a nonprofit or government agency to maintain benefits.
DHS will be hosting several in-person town halls to help residents understand these requirements and answer questions. Dates, times, and locations are listed below. These sessions are open to everyone, so please share widely with clients, staff, and community members.
Wednesday, March 11 (6 p.m. – 8 p.m.) This Wedesday!
Greece Town Hall – Community Rooms A&B
1 Vince Tofany Blvd, Greece, NY 14612
Partners: Greece Supervisor Jeff McCann and County Legislature President Yversha Roman
Wednesday, March 18 (6 p.m.- 8 p.m.)
Foodlink Farm
585 Lexington Avenue, Rochester NY 14613
Partners: County Legislator Ricky Frazier
Saturday, March 28 (2 p.m.- 4 p.m.)
Webster Recreation Center – Multipurpose Room
1350 Chiyoda Drive, Webster, NY 14612
Partners: Webster Supervisor Alex Scialdone
If your agency is interested in hosting an ABAWD presentation or town hall, please contact Denise Read at denise.read@dfa.state.ny.us.
Next Steps:
- If they have not already, SNAP recipients will begin to receive notices regarding the change. Please advise SNAP recipients to keep an eye out for the notice, and to make sure their phone number and address is up to date with DHS.
- If someone receives SNAP, please encourage them to complete the SNAP ABAWD Screener to check for possible exemptions—even if they believe they may not qualify.
- Exemption forms are available on the County’s website.
Flyers from DHS explaining ABAWD work rules in English and Spanish can be found in DHS’s communication Toolkit. If possible, please print and post them in client-facing areas.
Thank you, and I will see you this Thursday at 1:00p.
Maryam Ameen, MSW
Benefits Project Manager
(She/Her/Hers)