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COVID-19 Update: Time Limits to SNAP

UPDATE: On March 13, 2020, the D.C. federal district court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the Administration’s rule on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs).

This means the rule is postponed and does not go in into effect on April 1, as originally scheduled.

The injunction protects approximately 70,000 New Yorkers—and some 688,000 people across the country—from losing their SNAP benefits, which is critical in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating economic impact in New York City and all over the country.

Time limits to SNAP were also waived through the comprehensive Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) which was signed into law on March 18, 2020.

We are heartened by Congress’ commitment to protecting our most vulnerable neighbors amid the COVID-19 crisis and will continue to work with our partners across the city, state, and country to advocate for policies that strengthen and support food access for those who were already struggling to feed themselves before the crisis, and the growing number of people who need help putting food on the table during this challenging time.

At this time, if you are enrolled in SNAP, you should continue to access your benefits. If you would like to enroll in SNAP, visit New York City’s ACCESS HRA for more information.

Learn more about City Harvest’s response to COVID-19.

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