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Tags Posts tagged with "SNAP"

SNAP

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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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Join Representative Dan Miller for a series of Virtual Lunch & Learn Sessions to see what the upcoming changes to Medicaid and SNAP may look like. Experts and advocates from Just Harvest, J Badger Consulting, Pennsylvania Health Action Network, Pennsylvania Health Law Project, St. Clair Health, and more will be on hand to help lead the discussion! Hear from experts and advocates how recent federal changes are likely to impact access and create challenges for the people who rely upon the generational promises they represent.

Visit here for more information.

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The passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has made significant changes to Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Medicare, with strict requirements to maintain Federal support and criteria to qualify and maintain enrollment in Federal healthcare programs. There are several key provisions that will result in hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians losing access to healthcare:

  • “Community Engagement” Requirements which will require able-bodied adults to study, work, or volunteer for a minimum of 80 hours per month for expansion enrollees aged 19 – 64.
    • There are exceptions to these work requirements for people who are: enrolled in Medicare; incarcerated (and for 90 days following incarceration); pregnant or receiving postpartum coverage; Urban and California Indians; are caretakers of dependents under the age of 14; veterans with a total disability rating; are “medically frail”; participate in SNAP and are not exempt from its work requirements; or who have a substance use disorder or a disabling mental disorder (though neither of those exemptions are clearly defined). In addition, individuals who are participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program (as defined in section 3(h) of the Food and Nutrition Act [FNA] of 2008) are exempt. However, FNA defines drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation programs as “any such program conducted by a private nonprofit organization or institution.” With no clear guidance at this point on how an individual is determined to qualify as having an SUD, the definition of drug addiction or alcoholic treatment and rehabilitation program could be an issue for for-profit providers.
    • States may request an exemption for 2027 and 2028 if they show a “good faith” effort to implement the program.
  • Limits to certain non-citizen access to federal health services, which will prevent certain individuals from enrolling in or receiving Medicaid or CHIP benefits. Medicaid will no longer be available to refugees, asylees, victims of trafficking, or other people under temporary protected status, with certain exceptions.
  • Eligibility redeterminations must be made every six months for Expansion enrollees. Individuals who are exempt from the community engagement requirements are also exempt from the bi-annual eligibility redeterminations.

Additional Resources:

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