Resources:

DETAILED OVERVIEW OF 2025 SNAP CHANGES

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Starting SEPTEMBER 2025, most adults must work 20 hrs/week in order to keep SNAP benefits.

 

If you can’t prove you are meeting the work requirement, you will only receive 3 months of SNAP every 3 years.

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THOSE WITH EXEMPTIONS WILL MAINTAIN THEIR BENEFITS.

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In addition, exemptions that provide SNAP to veterans, former foster youth, and homeless have been eliminated.

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NOTE: PA will continue to exempt homeless people, using state discretionary exemptions.

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CHANGES TO WORK REQUIREMENTS:

 

• Work requirements for many adults (18-54 without children under 18 in household) went into effect September 1, 2025.

 

• 55-64-year-olds & households with a youngest child of 14+ are subject to time limits starting November 1, 2025.

 

• If you are NOT meeting the work requirement and are NOT exempt, SNAP benefits are now time-limited to 3 months in a 3-year period.

 

• If you ARE subject to work requirements, you MUST work 80 hours/month to maintain benefits.

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TIME LIMITS:

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• For those up to age 55 without kids under 18, the time limit starts September 1, 2025. First cutoffs for failing to meet the work requirement will be December 1,2025.

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• Those ages 55-64 and parents of kids 14+, the time limit will be rolled out over time, starting November 1, 2025.

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• New applicants are subject to time limit immediately.

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• Current recipients are not subject until next renewal.

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IF YOU THINK YOU WILL LOSE YOUR BENEFITS, FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AN EXEMPTION.

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FEDERAL EXEMPTIONS:

 

•Age: 65+ (age 55+ until DHS implements HR 1) or under 18​

•In SNAP household with child under 14 (under 18 until DHS implements HR 1)​

•Receiving a disability benefit​ (SSI, SSD, disability-related Medicaid, etc.)

•Receiving or applied for Unemployment

•Medical condition impacts ability to work

• Participating in SUD, mental health, or voc rehab

• Pregnant​

• In school or job training at least half time

• Caring for elderly or disabled household member

• Working at least 30 hours/week or earning at least $217.50/week

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ADDITIONAL PA STATE EXEMPTIONS:

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• Returning to work within 60 days

• Living more than 2 hours round-trip from your education or training site

• Receiving expedited SNAP (only in first month on SNAP)

• Volunteering full time through VISTA

• Experiencing homelessness (County Assistance Office must be aware)

• Domestic violence survivors 

 

Note: State exemptions vary by state. The above state exemptions only reflect Pennsylvania.

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IF YOU MEET ANY EXEMPTIONS: 

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▪Complete the DHS screening checklist when you get it in the mail or print it online (DHS form CM 558)

▪Complete the medical exemption form with your medical or mental health care provider (PA 1921) if needed

▪Submit both forms online through your Compass account as soon as possible

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NEED HELP? Call CAA at (570) 374-0181 or the Central PA Food Bank SNAP Hotline at 1-877-999-5964

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