✅ Key Takeaways:
- 132,000 Pennsylvanians already warned about risk.
- Rules apply now to ages 18–54, will expand Nov 1.
- Must work, study, or volunteer 20 hours weekly.
- First benefit cuts start Dec 1, 2025.
- State set up help at dhs.pa.gov/work.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services has warned 132,000 people that they could lose their SNAP food benefits. The warning comes after new federal work rules started on September 1, 2025. These rules are part of a Republican budget bill signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025.
The law says some people must show they work or do other activities at least 20 hours each week or 80 hours each month. This can include working, volunteering, going to school, or job training.
Starting September 1, the rules affect people 18 to 54 years old who do not have children under 18 and are able to work. But the rules will get bigger on November 1, 2025. After that date, they will also cover:
- Adults 55 to 64
- Parents with kids 14 or older
- Veterans
- Homeless people
- Foster youth up to age 24
People who do not meet these rules can only get 3 months of SNAP in a 3-year period. That means the first people may start losing food benefits by December 1, 2025.
State leaders warn the new rules could hit about 144,000 Pennsylvanians. Today, about two million people in the state get SNAP each month. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, almost 30,000 people may lose food help. Allegheny County could see nearly 14,000 people lose benefits, the second highest in the state.
To keep SNAP, workers must earn at least $217.50 each week before taxes or show they work 20 hours weekly. Students need to take part in class and study at least 20 hours per week or be enrolled half-time. Volunteers must check with their caseworker to know how many hours they need.
The Shapiro Administration made a website at dhs.pa.gov/work to guide people. The state is also working with PA CareerLink® and Philadelphia Works to connect people with jobs and training. SNAP users can also call the County Assistance Office or the DHS Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930 (215-560-7226 in Philadelphia).
But these new rules will also cost the state. Officials say Pennsylvania will spend over $22 million on staff, forms, and computer systems just to run the work rule checks.
Many families now worry about losing food while trying to meet job hours, pay rent, or cover medical bills. Advocates say the rules add more stress for people already struggling.
Pennsylvanians are being told to act quickly. Those who do not report work or training hours could soon lose their SNAP cards and the ability to buy food.
