What you need to know to protect your SNAP benefits

On September 1, the federal government implemented new rules about how long certain SNAP (also known as food stamps) recipients can receive benefits.  The PA State government estimated that 64% of SNAP participants subject to new work requirements would lose their benefits. That includes people who are still eligible for SNAP because they are exempt from or complying with the new rules, but who could lose benefits due to errors or paperwork barriers.

If the new rules apply to you, you may lose your SNAP benefits by January 2025! This post explains recent changes to SNAP and what you need to do to protect your benefits moving forward.

Remember, the City of Philadelphia’s Food and Meal Finder is an excellent resource to learn where you can pick up free food and groceries, get ready-to-eat meals, and access social services.

Jump to:

What are the new requirements?

To be eligible for SNAP benefits, certain people will have to:

  1. 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).
  2. Report that they are meeting the work requirements to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS).

Some SNAP recipients are exempt, but others must meet the new requirements or else their access to benefits will be extremely limited. If the rules apply to you and you do not meet the work requirement, you will be limited to receiving only three months of SNAP benefits over a three-year period.

Who is impacted and when will changes start?

New rules will impact many SNAP recipients and ongoing ineligibility. These changes could impact benefits as soon as December 1.

Starting November 1, 2025, the rules apply if you:

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

Who is not impacted by the changes?

The new rules do not apply to you as long as the County Assistance Office knows that you are:

  • Working and making at least $217.50 per week.
  • Under 18 or over 65.
  • A parent or guardian to kids under the age of 14.
  • Getting disability benefits like SSI or SSD.
  • Pregnant.
  • In school or a training program at least part-time.
  • Getting unemployment benefits or returning to work within 60 days.
  • Taking care of a sick or disabled family member.
  • Unable to work because of domestic violence.
  • In drug or mental health treatment.

Impacts to immigrant communities

Under the new federal law, eligible immigrant communities will be limited to individuals who are:

  • U.S. citizens; green card holders; Cubans and Haitians who were granted parole when they entered or who currently have a pending asylum application; or Citizens of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands.
  • If you are part of the immigrant communities above, you can protect your access to SNAP:
    • Provide a copy of your green card or citizenship to the County Assistance Office (CAO) so that you are not removed from the SNAP rolls accidentally.
    • Be on the lookout for letters from the County Assistance Office requesting your immigrant status and respond with the necessary documentation right away.
    • Appeal cut-off notices to correct any mistakes made by the County Assistance Office. Community Legal Services can support with filing appeals.
    • Check to see if you qualify for an exemption from SNAP work requirements that call for 20 hours a week, so that you are not removed from the SNAP rolls. Contact the County Assistance Office to provide information on the exemption that you are claiming and provide the documentation required for that exemption category.
  • Other immigrant communities not listed above will see their benefits end as of November 1st.
  • For more information and resources, please contact immigrant-serving organizations and legal services agencies located throughout the City. Find one using the Office of Immigrant Affairs Resource Finder.

Next steps

SNAP recipients

Beware of scams

The PA Department of Human Services is aware of scams targeting SNAP recipients, claiming that SNAP benefits will be delayed unless you provide your PIN. The PA DHS will never contact you by phone or ask for your PIN or personal information.

Prepare for upcoming changes to the work requirements:

  • Make sure your address is up to date with PA DHS and the US Postal Service.
  • If you are not exempt, identify work activities and participate as required.
  • Report your status and activities to the County Assistance Office.
  • Check your mail and COMPASS portal regularly for notices from PA DHS.
  • If you have a health condition that impacts your ability to work, have your medical provider complete the Medical Exemption form (PDF) so you can keep your benefits.

For help navigating benefits requirements and SNAP applications, contact:

If your SNAP application is denied or your benefits are cut off or reduced, Community Legal Services can help you with legal questions and appeals:

  • Call (215) 981-3700, on Thursdays from 9 a.m. – noon.
  • Walk-in at 1410 West Erie Avenue, on Mondays & Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – noon.

Community organizations and providers

  • Share information: Understand SNAP changes and share information with people you serve. Check the PA DHS website and this blog post for updates.
  • Help with exemptions: Have the exemption survey/checklist (CM 558) (PDF) and Medical Exemption Form (PA 1921) (PDF) available, and assist people with completing these forms if appropriate.
  • Provide a volunteer opportunity:  Help people stay connected, build skills, and maintain their benefits. You can now post your volunteer opportunities on PA Navigate. You can get help with posting by filling out the Volunteer Verification form (PDF) with your program details.
  • Connect recipients to food resources: See the list of resources below. Participants should call the site to confirm hours and services.

The City’s SNAP Grant program

The City of Philadelphia established the One Philly SNAP Support Program on November 3, 2025, to support Philadelphia residents with access to food, emergency rental assistance, emergency revenue replacement, and a temporary payment deferral program. As part of that program, organizations applied for funding to help feed Philadelphians experiencing food insecurity. As of 5 p.m. on November 5, the application period has ended, though we are still accepting applications on a rolling basis if funds are still available. Given the high interest in this opportunity, it’s unlikely that there will be funds for future applicants. You are welcome to submit, nonetheless, if you want to let us know about your work.

If you have already applied, look at your email for the results of your application’s review. The Health Department will be announcing all awardees once all applications have been reviewed. Learn about the funding opportunity and when grants will be announced.

Philadelphians who want to help

Be aware of changes that may impact your networks and communities. Let people know where they can get help by sharing this post, and consider donating to your local food pantry.

Resources

Get help finding food

Get more information

Visit PA DHS for all updates about SNAP applications and benefits in Pennsylvania
Link directs to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website.