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Tags Posts tagged with "SNAP"

SNAP

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) has developed a communications toolkit available at DHS’s website to help Pennsylvanians understand SNAP work and reporting requirements as well as how to meet them.

SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) services are important for Pennsylvanians who are applying for or receiving SNAP and who must meet federal work and reporting requirements because these services will help them meet the requirements.

SNAP recipients must work, volunteer, or participate in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report to PA DHS they are meeting this requirement. If SNAP recipients do not meet the work and reporting requirements, they can only receive three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period.

Please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp with any questions.

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As the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) prepares for the upcoming changes in the federal Medicaid standards set for implementation in January 2027, DHS has convened a statewide HR1 Steering Committee. This group is tasked with reviewing policy and practice drafts from the Department as it relates to their response to the pending Medicaid changes, including new eligibility and work requirements for recipients and communicating the implementation of Pennsylvania’s overall plan.

The steering committee is comprised of state leadership, advocates, and payers. RCPA providers will be represented by RCPA President and CEO Richard Edley. RCPA’s involvement will bolster our role as a lead advocate for members and stakeholders as it relates to Medicaid HR 1 activities. Additionally, RCPA has contracted with former Pennsylvania Medicaid Director Leesa Allen to assist in developing our internal strategies and advocacy platform.

The steering committee had its initial meeting yesterday, March 5, 2026, to lay out the groundwork for the group and presented an initial PowerPoint presentation that looks at some of the foundational information around Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP changes.

If you have questions or feedback, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director or COO Jim Sharp.

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Over the past few months, there have been important changes to SNAP that may affect Pennsylvanians’ eligibility for the program.

To help SNAP recipients and those who work with them understand what’s new, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a new video to their YouTube channel. The video explains changes to SNAP over the past six months, including who is subject to new work and reporting requirements, how to meet those requirements, and tools that are available to help Pennsylvanians meet the requirements.

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Message from PA DHS:

Under new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits, some recipients will have to meet work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report that they are meeting these work requirements.

To help SNAP recipients and applicants find out if they need to meet this requirement, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) has launched a new online screening tool.

By answering a simple set of yes or no questions, SNAP applicants and recipients can find out if they need to meet the work requirements, if they are already meeting the work requirements, or if they are eligible for an exemption.

The screening tool is not a final determination of whether someone is meeting the work requirements or is eligible for an exemption, but it can help recipients and applicants have a more informed conversation with their caseworker.

The new work requirements will apply to Pennsylvanians who:

  • Are between 18-64 years old;
  • Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old; and
  • Are considered physically and mentally able to work.

In addition, being a veteran or a current or former foster youth age 18–24 will no longer be an exemption.

Some people may still be exempt from work and reporting requirements if they meet a different exemption. You can learn more about these work reporting requirements, who they affect, and more about exemptions at DHS’s website.

State Budget Investments Help Fight Food Insecurity

Pennsylvania’s charitable food network and our agricultural community are vital to keeping our neighbors and communities fed. Governor Shapiro’s 2025/26 budget delivers major investments to combat hunger, strengthen the charitable food network, and support Pennsylvania farmers. The budget includes a historic $11 million increase for food security, including:

  • $3 million for the State Food Purchase Program and $1 million for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS);
  • $2 million for a new state Food Bucks program to supplement SNAP; and
  • $5 million in new funding to Pennsylvania food banks.

Help Us Spread the Word

PA DHS has developed a communications toolkit to help Pennsylvanians understand the changes happening to SNAP.

We ask RCPA members, advocates, and stakeholders to view and share the toolkit, which includes sample text, social media posts, and more.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is launching Human Services Helpers, a Substack that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities. Specifically, as DHS implements changes required by the federal government under HR1, Human Services Helpers will share resources and tips to help Pennsylvanians affected by these changes understand what is happening and what they must do to keep their benefits. News on the federal government shutdown and its impact on programs like SNAP and LIHEAP will also be shared through this platform.

Sign up for updates today and be a helper for PA!

Please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director with any questions.

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Information provided by The Arc Alliance: 

Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP (food stamp) benefits will not be paid starting November 1, 2025.

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

1) FEDERAL SHUTDOWN
SNAP benefits will be temporarily stopped beginning November 1, 2025. Payments will resume once the shutdown is over and funding is restored. Visit here to read more.

2) EBT CARDS
Starting November 1, EBT networks may be shut off at grocery stores and retailers. This means you may not be able to use any remaining balance on your EBT card after October 31.

3) FOOD RESOURCES
The Arc Alliance has created a Food Resource Page with local Food Banks and Food Pantries by county. These are separate from SNAP, but please note — they may become very busy as many Pennsylvanians seek help. Visit for the Food Resource Page.

4) LOCAL CHURCH PANTRIES
Church food pantries often have more flexibility than larger food banks because they don’t rely on government funds. We recommend contacting your local church or parish to ask about their food support options. (Some are listed on our Food Resource Page.)

5) QUESTIONS ABOUT SNAP BENEFITS
If you have questions about your benefits, contact your County Assistance Office (CAO) and speak with your caseworker. Find your CAO’s contact information here.

The Arc Alliance is here to support you and your family during this difficult time. Please share this information with others who may be affected.

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