THE PATAKI ADMINISTRATION ASKS FOR WAIVER FROM FEDERAL LAW.(MAIN)

Byline: HARVY LIPMAN State editor

ALBANY -- Able-bodied, childless adults who receive food stamps in 38 municipalities would be eligible to keep receiving that aid even if they don't work 20 hours a week, under a waiver from the new federal welfare law requested by the Pataki administration Friday.

The waiver, which almost certainly will be approved by federal authorities, would allow any community with an unemployment rate 20 percent higher than the national rate to let such food stamp recipients stay in the federally funded program. In the Capital Region, only Troy and Schenectady qualify.

All five boroughs of New York City are on the eligible …