United Way of New York: Expanding food stamp work regulations makes Chinese people fear losing subsidies

federal expansionration card (SNAP) Work Requirements Some residents who were originally exempt must submit proof of work or other qualifying activities. In response to difficulties residents face when reporting and seeking assistance,new york city Kanchana Suggu, chief impact officer of the United Way of New York City, said in an interview with this newspaper on the 21st that missing information, difficulty in proving work hours for gig workers, and concerns of immigrant families may all hinder the maintenance of benefits.

The city announced in October that about 26,500 residents lost food stamps due to expanded federal work rules. According to data released by the Asian American Coalition, in 2025, 43.1% of poor Chinese households in New York City receive food stamps. according toChinese Policy Association According to previous reports, the subsidy cuts and eligibility adjustments could affect about 10,000 of its service recipients. When asked about the reason for the suspension, Sugu said the situation was not limited to non-compliance with work requirements. Although the city government has sent letters and sent people to canvass door-to-door, there are still people who may not receive the letters after moving, or may not be able to understand the notice and miss the delivery deadline, so they cannot submit the certificate in time.

This hurdle is particularly tough for deliverymen, freelancers and those receiving cash salaries. Sugu pointed out that such jobs often have no fixed schedule, and income and work hours may also be unstable, but residents who are subject to work regulations must still provide proof. “It is not so easy to obtain and show these certificates.” He said the association has been informing the city government about the difficulties faced by gig workers and cash-paid workers.

United Way’s online guidance recommends that platform workers keep records of hours worked, earnings or screenshots. People who receive cash can record hours and wages worked each time, and keep receipts, payment records or employer certificates. If you lack formal documents, you can also bring existing information to a community agency designated by the Employment Services Program (PACE) or Municipal Human Resources Administration (HRA) for questioning.

Some members of Chinese families have varying immigration statuses. Some are eligible for food stamps, while others may not. Sugu said working community agencies have heard from families concerned that applying for benefits would impact public fee reviews or attract the attention of immigration enforcement. Someone once told a community worker: “I wouldn’t want to apply, it’s not worth the risk.” She suggested residents let welfare service staff know about the status of family members to confirm who is eligible and what documents are required when applying.

Sugu said United Way has launched simplified Chinese guidelines on the United for Benefits Access (UBA) website to explain the new rules, activities that can count toward the requirements and how to submit evidence. Sugu reminded that if you receive an HRA letter that you cannot understand, you can take the letter to the National Science and Technology Association and other institutions to ask for help, or use Access HRA to check the notice. “The most important thing is to take action.” Residents can also call 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) to make inquiries and request a free interpretation; Simplified Chinese instructions are available at unitedwaynyc.org/uba.