What You Need To Know About New SNAP Work Requirements In PA

New federal work and reporting requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have taken effect in Pennsylvania.

The changes, which began Sept. 1 and will expand throughout the fall, require some recipients to document work, education, training or volunteer hours to maintain benefits, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).

DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh highlighted the federal changes, noting how the department is helping recipients meet the new requirements.

“Nearly two million Pennsylvanians receive life-sustaining food benefits from SNAP every month. It is this extra bit of help putting food on their tables that enables people to go to school, work, and live healthy lives with the dignity we all deserve,” Arkoosh said.

The new rules, which are part of a federal budget bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, eliminate state flexibility to request waivers for certain work requirements based on local unemployment or job availability.

Under the initial phase, affected SNAP recipients must report at least 20 hours per week (or 80 hours per month) of work, education, training, or volunteering if they:

Are 18–54 years old.
Do not have a dependent child under 18.
Are physically and mentally able to work.

Recipients who do not meet these requirements risk losing benefits after three months, with the earliest potential benefit loss in Pennsylvania occurring Dec. 1.

Additional requirements take effect Nov. 1 and will impact other SNAP recipients, including:

Adults 55–64 years old.
Parents of any age whose youngest child is 14 or older.
Veterans.
Homeless individuals.
Current or former foster children aged 24 or younger (starting when they turn 18).

The DHS estimates these new requirements will cost Pennsylvania more than $22 million in staff, operational, and IT systems costs due to additional paperwork and reporting burdens.

To help Pennsylvanians meet the new obligations, DHS has launched a new website, dhs.pa.gov/work, which details who is affected, how to meet the requirements, and how to apply for an exemption. The website also provides video and infographic demonstrations.

Recipients can also find support through employment programs like PA CareerLink and other assistance programs.

Residents can contact the Bucks County Assistance Office or the DHS Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 for assistance.

DHS also asks Pennsylvanians to keep their address updated with the department via the Customer Service Center or COMPASS, and with the United States Postal Service, to ensure they receive important benefit mailings.

Advertisement