Dear Children’s Aid community members,

We understand that navigating an ever-changing landscape can be challenging, and we are committed to sharing reliable information and essential resources to support you.

While New York City and State laws offer protections, it’s important to stay informed about policies and rights at the local and national levels. This page provides up-to-date guidance on immigration, knowing your rights, updates on benefits access, and accessing critical support from trusted organizations including the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, New York Immigration Coalition, New York Lawyers for Public Interest, Lawyers Alliance for New York, and others.

At Children's Aid, we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all. We stand firmly against discrimination in any form and believe every family – regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality – deserves the opportunity to build a stable and fulfilling life.

Policies and leadership decisions continue to evolve rapidly, and we remain committed to providing vetted, reliable resources to help families stay informed and supported. We are here with you, working together to keep our communities safe and informed.

With gratitude, 
The Children’s Aid Team

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The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance issued full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to all eligible households. All eligible New York households should have received their full benefits by November 15, 2025.

If you need immediate food assistance:

• Food Help NYC maintains a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in an interactive map: Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens.
• Food Bank for NYC and City Harvest also have maps that include mobile markets and community fridges, in addition to pantries and meal service.
• Visit Access HRA to see if you are eligible for other benefits programs.
• The NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy have also created a comprehensive resource list for impacted SNAP recipients, with information for Medicaid participants and older adults.

Upcoming SNAP Work Requirement Changes

Beginning March 1, 2026, New York State will implement new federal SNAP rules that expand work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Adults aged 18 to 64, formerly 54, will need to work, volunteer, or participate in an approved training program for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits for more than three months within a three-year period. The update removes prior exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth, and narrows the exemption for parents to those with children under age 14. March will serve as the first "countable month" under the three-month time limit, meaning SNAP benefits cannot be reduced due to ABAWD non-compliance until June 2026 at the earliest.

Download the flyer:

• New SNAP work rules
• Nuevas reglas laborales de SNAP

If you are subject to new work requirements:

You will receive, or have already received, a notice from NYC’s Human Resources Administration (HRA).

If you do not currently meet these new work requirements, you will be sent a separate notice to schedule an appointment with HRA's PACE provider for help in finding qualifying work activities.

If you do not meet the work requirement, you will only be able to receive SNAP benefits for 3 months within a 36-month period.

What Should You Do Right Now?

1. Track Your Hours:
   1. Start keeping track of your work hours (whether you’re employed, volunteering, or participating in a training program).
   2. If you’re already working or volunteering, inform your SNAP caseworker and submit proof of your activities via ACCESS HRA.
2. Get Assistance:
   1. HRA or a contracted provider can help you find and enroll in programs that meet the requirements.
   2. Find work, volunteer, or training programs that meet the requirements.
3. If You Have a Disability:
   1. Fill out the ABAWD Medical Statement Form (available on the HRA website in multiple languages).
   2. Ask your clinician or therapist to complete it, and submit it through ACCESS HRA, by mail, fax, or in person.

Resources

• Access HRA: Use the ACCESS HRA app or website to submit documents, track your case, and get more information.
• For more help: Contact the SNAP Helpline at 718-762-7669 (718-SNAP-NOW) to ask questions about your work requirements and how to meet them.
• SNAP Program Info: Visit HRA’s ABAWD Page and NYC’s SNAP Program Page for more details

Additionally, NYC’s Department of Social Services will host several webinars providing an overview of the ABAWD SNAP work requirements and recent policy changes. Sign up for one here.

For any questions, reach out to Abigail Leonard, Policy and Communications Analyst, at aleonard@childrensaidnyc.org.

In the coming weeks, a series of vital trainings and webinars will provide educators, advocates, and community members with the tools to support immigrant youth, navigate legal challenges, and prepare for encounters with immigration enforcement. From creating safe spaces for immigrant youth to understanding expedited removal and Know Your Rights trainings, these events offer essential insights and resources. Explore the opportunities below and register to learn more about how you can support children, youth, and families.

Empower Communities: Workers Rights

Friday, February 27 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET

This session will cover how increased immigration enforcement and other attacks on immigrant workers are undermining all workers’ rights.  

• Important policy and enforcement changes impacting immigrant workers
• How to leverage Know Your Rights information
• Advocacy and organizing opportunities to defend immigrant workers
• Q&A

Register

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Monday, March 2 | 12:00 p.m. | Spanish & Urdu - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Monday, March 2 | 6:00 p.m. | Spanish & Arabic - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Wednesday, March 4 | 12:00 p.m. | Spanish & Russian - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Empower Communities: Education & K-12 School Settings

Wednesday, March 11 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET

This session will cover how enhanced immigration enforcement is undermining the security and safety of immigrant students and families in schools.

• Important policy changes impacting schools and educational settings
• Guidance for providing Know Your Rights information
• Advocacy opportunities to shape policy
• Q&A

Register

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Wednesday, March 18 | 12:00 p.m. | Spanish & Arabic - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Wednesday, March 18 | 6:00 p.m. | Spanish & Hatian Creole - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Thursday, March 19 | 12:00 p.m. | Spanish & Haitian Creole - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Thursday, March 19 | 6:00 p.m. | Spanish & Urdu - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Monday, March 23 | 12:00 p.m. | Spanish & Haitian Creole - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Project Open Arms: Know Your Rights

Monday, March 23 | 6:00 p.m. | Spanish & Mandarin - Full schedule
Audience: Students and Families

Join us for a virtual presentation as we provide an overview of the rights of migrant youth and families who reside in New York City under the relevant bodies of law.

Join Us

Empower Communities: Enforcement & Detention 

Wednesday, March 25 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET

This session will cover the major changes to immigration enforcement practices, resources for immigrant communities, and opportunities to advocate.

• Important changes to enforcement, detention, and deportation policy
• The importance of asserting your rights in the face of uncertainty
• Advocacy opportunities to shape policy
• Q&A

Register

Previous Events

How Nonprofits, Faith Groups & Businesses Can Protect Immigrants

Thursday, Feb. 13 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The New York City Council, including Deputy Speaker Ayala and Council Member Aviles, in collaboration with several nonprofits hosted a virtual training to help other organizations, faith groups, & businesses to better understand NYC Sanctuary City Laws, updated immigration policies, Know Your Rights, and preparedness for immigration enforcement.

Watch the recording.

NYIC: ICE & Family Preparedness Know Your Rights Training

Wednesday, March 19 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The New York Immigration Coalition hosted a virtual training for staff and volunteers of NY-based nonprofit organizations to provide essential information on individuals' rights if ICE arrives at their home. They covered how to prepare family members in the event of detention, specifically focusing on document collection and custody planning.

Watch the recording.

The Coalition on Human Needs: Critical Training for Service Providers on Immigration Enforcement Encounters & Know Your Rights

Wednesday, March 20 | 3:45 p.m.

This video provides information for service providers on how to interact with immigration enforcement encounters.

Watch the recording.