To qualify for food stamps in NYC, a family of four has to have a gross monthly income of $2389. That's roughly $29K per year, which I can't imagine a single person in NYC living on, much less a family of four. It's estimated that more than half of the families that need assistance aren't getting it. To continue to receive food stamps, adults between the ages of 18 and 50 must work 20 hours per week or participate in an employment program. Otherwise, people are limited to three months every three years. The only people exempt from the work requirement are the disabled.