SNAP benefits cuts to take effect
Pa. residents could lose benefits by December if they fail to comply with new regulations.
Across Allegheny, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties, thousands of residents who rely on food assistance are at risk of losing it by the end of this year.
New federal work and reporting rules tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now in effect, and local officials and advocates say too many people still don’t know what’s coming.
These changes, passed as part of a Republican-backed federal budget deal signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, require certain adults receiving SNAP to prove they’re working, volunteering or participating in job training for at least 20 hours a week.
Those who don’t comply could lose benefits as soon as December.
DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said the Shapiro administration is working to get ahead of the confusion.
“Nearly two million Pennsylvanians receive life-sustaining food benefits from SNAP every month. It is this extra bit of help putting food on their tables that enables people to go to school, work, and live healthy lives with the dignity we all deserve,” Arkoosh said. “Our team at DHS is focused on helping Pennsylvanians navigate these federal changes through new resources like a dedicated website, partnerships with community organizations that will help connect SNAP recipients to work and volunteer opportunities, and simplifying processes to make reporting as easy as possible for those affected by these federal requirements.”
The first phase of the new rules, which went into effect Sept. 1, targets able-bodied adults between 18 and 54 years old who don’t have children under 18 in the home.
Starting Nov. 1, more people will fall under the same reporting rules — including those aged 55 to 64, parents whose youngest child is 14 or older, veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youths.
Local numbers show how hard these changes could hit.
Nearly 14,000 Allegheny County residents are projected to lose SNAP benefits, the second-highest number in the state.
Fayette County could see over 2,800 people cut off.
Across the four-county region, nearly 30,000 people could be impacted, according to estimates reported by Spotlight PA and PublicSource.
Jennifer Miller, CEO of the Westmoreland County Food Bank, said the food pantry network is bracing for a surge in need.
“For every meal that the food bank is able to provide, SNAP provides nine,” she told CBS Pittsburgh. “That means people are going to be coming to us who have never come to the food banks before, looking for help.”
To avoid losing benefits, residents are being urged to act now. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has launched a website — dhs.pa.gov/work — that explains who’s affected, how to meet the work and reporting rules, and what to do if you qualify for an exemption.
County Assistance Offices are also offering help by phone and in person. In Allegheny County, residents can call 412-565-2146. Fayette County residents can reach their office at 724-4397015. The number for Washington County is 724-2234300, and in Westmoreland County, it’s 724-832-5200. Anyone across the state can also call the DHS helpline at 1-877-395-8930.
With the first potential benefit losses coming in December, families across Southwestern Pennsylvania are urged to check their eligibility, understand the rules and take steps now to protect their access to food.
“By working together, we are committed to ensuring that Pennsylvanians who need and qualify for SNAP keep those benefits so that they can feed themselves and their families,” Arkoosh said.
Residents should also keep their address up to date with DHS by calling the Customer Service Center or updating their address through COMPASS, and with the United States Postal Service so they don’t miss any important mailings about their benefits.
For more information on new and upcoming SNAP work and reporting requirements, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/ work.
