Maximizing Independent Living Choices - MILC

04/03/2026

📢 SNAP Work Requirement Changes – What You Need to Know

New federal guidelines are changing how some New Yorkers qualify for SNAP (food stamps).

If you are an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD)—meaning you are between ages 18–64 and do not have children under 14—you may need to meet work, volunteer, or training requirements to continue receiving benefits.

⏳ Without meeting these requirements, SNAP benefits may be limited to 3 months within a 3-year period.

Many people qualify for exemptions, including those who:

- Have physical or mental health limitations
- Receive disability benefits
- Are caregivers
- Are in substance use treatment
- Are age 65 or older

Ways to stay eligible:

- Work at least 20 hours per week
- Participate in job training or education (80 hours/month)
- Volunteer (hours vary and may be lower than you think!)

📞 Need help figuring this out? Contact your local Department of Social Services—or reach out to us. You can contact MILC's Nutrition Outreach and Education Program Coordinators to discuss this requirement and learn more. Call 315-764-9442 for St. Lawrence or 518-483-2151 for Franklin county.

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

The Neighborhood Centers in Canton, Gouverneur, Massena, Ogdensburg, and Potsdam can provide bus tokens for people who can’t affording bus fares. Two tokens are provided at a time, due to limited quantities. For more information on the bus tokens, please call (315) 386-1102, and to learn what route is best for you, visit slcnypublictransit.com/maps-schedules/.

04/01/2026

"Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your child's education."

We know the Special Education process can feel like a different language. That’s why every month we offer several virtual workshops to break down the big topics like LRE and Preschool IEPs!

Check out our April schedule below!

🗓️ April 14 (LRE): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/jnbyydh

🗓️ April 21 (Parent Member): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/u97mcse

🗓️ April 28 (Preschool IEP): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/y9w9wbt

All sessions are free and held via Zoom! Need help? Email us at facecenternc@measinc.com.

Is there a topic you’d like to see us cover in the future? Drop a comment and let us know! 👇

03/28/2026

The first class is March 30th. Please make sure to register.

03/27/2026

Join us on April 8, 2026 at 2PM for a 1 hour discussion on Financial Literacy. Financial literacy is about being able to make smart decisions with your money so you can meet your needs, avoid unnecessary debt, and build financial stability over time. Topics can include budgeting, saving, understanding credit and debt, and making informed financial decisions. Attend in person at one of MILC's offices or join by ZOOM using the QR code in the image, or this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86228565403?pwd=TvEAGalhTKzX4WqBiFeizWM4HTwggv.1

03/26/2026

It’s getting closer to the deadline to file your 2025 taxes. What’s new!? If you are someone who doesn’t normally file because you do not work or maybe you get SSI or public assistance through DSS - you may still be able to file if you have children to get a tax refund. The Empire State Child Credit offers up to 1000.00 per child. You will need to file a tax return in order to get the refund. You DO NOT need income or wages in 2025 to file. The credit refund will not count as income for your SNAP, Medicaid, public assistance, SSI, and more. Don’t miss the opportunity!

Did you know - many families in NY can get up to $1000.00 per child through NY's Empire State Child Credit by filing a NYS income tax return, even if you had no income?!? You can file and get this money even if you don't have income, don't normally file taxes, or haven't filed taxes in a while. Getting this money will not impact your Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Cash assistance from DSS, or housing benefits. It you save the money, it will not be counted as an asset for 12 months for programs like Medicaid or SSI. Check out more info at https://otda.ny.gov/childcredit and be sure to file your NYS income tax return!

03/26/2026

Did you know you could be saving money on your Medicare costs?

The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps eligible individuals:
✔ Pay for Medicare Part B premiums
✔ Reduce out-of-pocket medical costs
✔ Potentially qualify for extra help with prescriptions

Many people don’t realize they qualify!

Our Facilitated Enrollers are here to help you:
📌 Understand eligibility
📌 Apply for the program
📌 Maximize your benefits

Reach out today to see if you can start saving! Free, confidential, and conveniently located help serving all of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Franklin Counties. With offices in Watertown, Ogdensburg, Massena, and Malone. Applications can also be completed over the phone! Call 315-764-9442

Serving all of St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties

03/21/2026

Are you interested in attending nutrition workshops and receiving up to $150 in vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables? Call us today to be referred to this great program! 315-386-4730

03/16/2026

Health insurance can feel confusing and overwhelming - but you don't have to figure it out alone. MILC's Navigators are here to help you:
✔ Understand your coverage options
✔ Enroll in a health plan
✔ Submit required documents
✔ Renew your coverage each year
✔ Answer questions about your benefits

Best of all, Navigator assistance is free and confidential.

If you or someone you know needs help with their health insurance - reach out to schedule an appointment today. Call 315-764-9442 or 518-483-2151; with offices in Massena and Malone.

03/16/2026

Millions of New Yorkers struggle to get enough to eat. SNAP can help you put healthy food on the table so you don’t have to choose between things like rent, medicine, or food. The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program can help. Services are available by phone, email or online, and are free and confidential.

Serving Residents of Franklin County
(518) 483-2151 Ext. 209
Nutrition Outreach and Education Program

03/13/2026

SNAP's Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit rule is now in effect throughout New York State.

Here's what you need to know:

✔️ Who is affected?

Adults ages 18-64 who are able to work and do not live with a child under age 14. These individuals can receive SNAP benefits for only three months within a three-year period unless they report sufficient work activity or are exempt.

✔️ What's required?

Documentation of at least 80 hours per month of paid work, job training, or community service.

✔️ Many people are exempt, including individuals who are pregnant, living with a child under age 14, living with a disability, receiving unemployment, and more.

SNAP participants who aren't exempt have three months to meet ABAWD requirements before benefits are impacted.

Visit our website for more information about the ABAWD rule, exemptions, and resources to help SNAP households maintain their benefits: hungersolutionsny.org/federal-nutrition-programs/snap/abawd-time-limits