Attention SNAP Recipients!
The Shapiro Administration launched dhs.pa.gov/work, to help Pennsylvanians navigate changes to SNAP work and reporting requirements that went into effect on September 1.
The Republican budget bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump earlier this summer mandates these changes.
If you have questions, call 877-395-8930
(or 215-560-7226 if you live in Philadelphia)
In July 2025, Republicans in Congress passed a bill that makes changes to the SNAP program. President Trump signed that bill into law. Some SNAP recipients now must meet work requirements and report that they are meeting this requirement to DHS. If SNAP recipients are not meeting this requirement, they will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits for a three-year period.
Keep reading to learn about these changes, how they will affect SNAP recipients, and how to report that you are meeting the work requirements.
Starting on September 1, 2025
Starting on September 1, 2025, the federal government’s rules on how long certain people can receive SNAP benefits are changing. Certain SNAP recipients will be subject to SNAP work requirements and time limits because of the federal budget bill passed by Congressional Republicans and signed by President Trump.
Under these new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits certain people will have to meet SNAP 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 you are meeting these work requirements.
These rules apply to you if you:
- Are between 18-54 years old;
- Do not have a dependent child under 18; and,
- Are considered physically and mentally able to work
Pennsylvania no longer qualifies for waivers of these rules by county or municipal jurisdiction because of a change in the federal law. Certain people may be exempt from these requirements. Learn more about SNAP work requirements exemptions and how you can let us know if you meet one.
Starting on November 1, 2025
In addition, starting on November 1, 2025, even more people will be subject to SNAP work requirements and time limits because of the federal budget bill passed by Congressional Republicans and signed by President Trump.
Under these new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits certain people will have to meet SNAP 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.
The expanded work requirements will apply to you if you:
- 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 these requirements if they meet a different exemption.
DON’T MISS IMPORTANT UPDATES ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS
Remember to always keep your address and phone number with DHS up-to-date so you don’t miss important information about your benefits. You can update your contact information:
- On COMPASS at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass
- Through the My COMPASS PA mobile app (free on Apple and Google Play)
- By calling 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 if you live in Philadelphia)
- Visiting your County Assistance Office
Make sure you also update your address with the United States Postal Service so you don’t miss this mail.