What you need to know to protect your SNAP benefits

On September 1, the federal government implemented new rules about who can receive SNAP (also known as food stamps) and for how long. The PA State government estimated that of the 77,000 Philadelphia SNAP participants subject to the new time limits, 45,000 could lose their benefits. That includes people who are still eligible for SNAP because they are exempt from or following the new work requirements, but who could lose benefits due to errors or paperwork barriers.

If the new rules apply to you, you may already be at risk of losing your SNAP benefits or have been affected by the changes. This post explains the most recent SNAP updates and what steps you should take 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.

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Who is impacted?

These new rules impact many participants and their ongoing eligibility. These changes started impacting benefits on December 1, 2025.

As of November 1, 2025, the rules apply if you:

  • Are ages 18 through 64.
  • 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:

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

Some SNAP recipients are exempt, but others must meet the new requirements or else their access to benefits will be extremely limited. In some cases, recipients could lose them. 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.

For those who are not exempt, you must submit proof that you meet work requirements every three months to secure the next 90 days of benefits. Otherwise, your benefits will be cut off. If your benefits are stopped, it’s possible to regain them by providing proof that  you are exempt or are meeting the work requirements.

What are the requirements?

To remain eligible for SNAP benefits, certain people (explained ) must:

  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).
  • Note that the number of hours you must volunteer to keep your SNAP is the amount of your SNAP grant divided by $7.25 (the minimum wage). For example, a single person getting $292 in SNAP a month must volunteer 41 hours a month to keep their SNAP.
  1. Report that they are meeting the work requirements to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS).
  2. Volunteer Opportunities Available: If you are looking for ways to meet your work requirements, PA Navigate and GlobalCitizen365 are great resources for discovering and registering for eligible volunteer opportunities near you.

Remember, if you are unable to work due to health conditions, you should make sure the County Assistance Office is aware of it. Have your medical provider, counselor, or social worker fill out this and submit it to the County Assistance Office or through COMPASS.

Impacts to immigrant communities

Due to changes under federal law, some immigrants may not receive SNAP benefits as of November 1st, 2025. Eligible immigrants are limited to individuals who are:

  • Naturalized U.S. citizens.
  • Green card holders (adult green card holders must have their green card for a five-year period in order to qualify).
  • Cubans and Haitians who were granted parole when they entered or who currently have a pending asylum application.
  • Citizens of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands.

If you are an eligible immigrant listed 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 so that you can provide any necessary documentation. If you do not qualify for an exemption, you will also have to meet the work requirements detailed below.

Many other immigrant groups are no longer able to access SNAP. This includes refugees and asylum-seekers who do not have green cards. 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.

How to adjust to changes in work requirements?

  • Make sure your address is up to date with PA DHS and the US Postal Service.
  • See if you may be exempt from the work requirements by using the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Exemptions Screener.
  • 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, you may be asked to have your medical provider complete the Medical Exemption form (PDF) so you can keep your benefits. NOTE: This medical examination form is official and safe to use. If ever you are questioning what is safe to fill out with your personal information, contact the BenePhilly helpline or the Philadelphia County Assistance Office (see below).

For help navigating benefits requirements and SNAP applications, contact:

If you cannot meet the work requirements for a valid reason, you may be able to prevent your SNAP benefits from being cut off.  If this might apply to you, contact your local CAO to learn about “Good Cause” exemptions.

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.

Some participants have seen a decrease in their benefit amount because they have not reported proof of their housing and/or utility costs. Make sure you have filled out and returned all forms related to household expenses, so that your benefits are not affected.

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: Share or use PA DHS’s screener tool to help people understand if they qualify for an exemption. 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.

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.