Pa. residents warned of SNAP benefit changes

New rules could cause some recipients to lose benefits by December.

Across Allegheny, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties, thousands of residents who rely on food assistance are at risk of losing that help by the end of the 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 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, eliminate flexibility for states and impose stricter eligibility requirements.

The rules began rolling out Sept. 1, and more are coming in November.

For many households, that means meeting new work or activity requirements — or losing benefits as soon as Dec. 1.

DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said the Shapiro administration is working to keep people from falling through the cracks.

“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.

“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.”

Under the new law, SNAP recipients ages 18 to 54 without dependent children must now report at least 20 hours per week — or 80 hours per month — of work, job training, education or volunteering to remain eligible for benefits.

Starting Nov. 1, the same rules will apply to older adults and others who were previously exempt, including people aged 55 to 64, some parents, veterans, the homeless and former foster youth.

For Southwestern Pennsylvania, the impact could be steep.

According to data from Spotlight, nearly 14,000 people in Allegheny County alone could lose benefits — the second-highest figure in the state.

In Fayette County, more than 2,800 are expected to be cut off.

Altogether, nearly 30,000 people in the region could be affected.

Jennifer Miller, CEO of the Westmoreland County Food Bank, warned that food pantries are preparing for a surge.

“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.” Some local officials have also spoken out. At a recent roundtable hosted by Rep. Summer Lee and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Lee said, “Today we heard powerful stories from folks on the ground about what is at stake and who stands to be impacted the most by cruel and preventable budget cuts proposed by Trump and congressional Republicans.”

County Executive Innamorato added, “If the federal government decides to stop funding critical projects, from energy projects to SNAP benefits to infrastructure, the county simply does not have millions or tens of millions of dollars in reserves that we can redirect to keep some of those programs going.”

To help people meet the new requirements and stay enrolled, DHS has launched a website at www.dhs.pa.gov/work.

It explains who’s affected, how to report hours, how to find qualifying activities and how to apply for exemptions.

DHS encourages all recipients to keep their mailing address updated through COMPASS or by calling the DHS Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.

Help is also available locally. The Allegheny County Assistance Office can be reached at 412-565-2146. Residents in Fayette County can call 724-439-7015, in Washington County 724-223-4300, and in Westmoreland County, 724-832-5200.

With the first potential benefit cuts coming in December, families across Southwestern PA are being urged to take action now.

For More Information reach out to:

• DHS SNAP Work Requirements Overview: www.dhs.pa.gov/work.

• Report changes and manage benefits online: www.compass.state.pa.us.

• SNAP Customer Service (statewide): 1-877-395-8930.

• DHS infographic and explainer videos: www.dhs.pa.gov/work.