SNAP BENEFITS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following information was released by the office of the Mayor of Philadelphia:

General

How can I restart my SNAP if I've been cut off?

If you were cut off or your case was closed, you may be able to appeal your case. Even if your appeal is denied, you can reapply and start receiving benefits again if you show that you qualify for an exemption or meet the work requirements. For more details, see this overview from Community Legal Services.

Do I need to meet work requirements even if I'm receiving other public benefits like housing, social security, or Medicaid?

It depends on the benefit. If you are between the ages of 18 and 64 and do not meet any exemptions, then you must meet the new requirements regardless of your other benefits. However, if you receive benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), that would qualify you for an exemption based on your disability. You should make sure your County Assistance Office knows if you receive SSDI. For more information on qualifying for exemptions, see Community Legal Services or the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

How can I get help navigating these changes?

For help navigating benefits requirements and SNAP applications, contact:

The BenePhilly Clarifi Helpline at (800) 994-5537

The Philadelphia County Assistance Office at:

1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 (for Philadelphia residents)

How can I access additional food resources (free food sites, farmer's market vouchers, senior meals)?

Use the City of Philadelphia's Food and Meal Finder to learn where to pick up free food, get ready-to-eat meals, and access social services. We recommend calling the site to confirm their hours before you go. Additional food resources can be found here:

PA Navigate finder

Feeding PA: Find local food pantries

Share Food Program: Find food

Philabundance: Food Map

PA.gov: Food Resources for Pennsylvanians

If you are pregnant and/or have a child(ren) under the age of 5, you can also see if you are eligible for WIC benefits .

Will there be work requirements for my other benefits?

It depends on what other benefits you are receiving. New work requirements for Medicaid will start January 1, 2027. Like SNAP, they will apply only to some people (ages 18 through 64) who are not exempt. More details will be available in the coming months. For other information, call your County Assistance Office or case manager to confirm that your work status will not affect other benefits.

Exemptions

Who can sign the SNAP medical exemption form ("PA 1921" form)?

A medical professional whose services can be reimbursed by Medicaid can fill out a SNAP medical exemption form (PA 1921). This is not limited to a primary care provider. This form documents mental or physical conditions that could limit someone's ability to work. They can also document participation in drug/alcohol treatment programs, counseling programs, or vocational rehabilitation programs.

Does my exemption apply to my entire household?

Each adult in the household, ages 18 through 64, who does not have a child under the age of 14 must provide their own exemption. Even if the County Assistance Office already has documentation of your exemption, you should confirm that information with the County Assistance Office.

Is there an exemption for pregnancy? What happens after my baby is born?

Pregnant adults are exempt from work requirements. You should inform the County Assistance Office of your pregnancy and submit a PA 1921 form. Caregivers for children under the age of 14 are also exempt from work requirements.

Do the work requirements apply to veterans?

There is no longer an exemption for all veterans. However, veterans with physical or mental health issues that reduce their ability to work should submit a PA 1921 form or see if they qualify for another exemption.

If I am experiencing homelessness, do I need to meet these requirements?

People who are experiencing homelessness do not have to meet SNAP work requirements. Reach out to your County Assistance Office to confirm your homeless status.

Does my medical exemption need to be verified?

The County Assistance Office may already have your medical exemption on file, depending on what other benefits you receive. Even if you think the County Assistance Office already has information on your conditions, confirm that it is up to date and verified. If it does not, have your medical provider fill out a PA 1921 form.

Work Requirements and Reporting Work

Does everyone in my SNAP household need to meet work requirements?

Not necessarily. Children under 18, adults over 64, and people with disabilities don't have to work. They can keep receiving SNAP benefits even if other household members don't meet requirements.

Your County Assistance Office will inform you if you or anyone in your household needs to meet SNAP work requirements.

How long can I keep SNAP without meeting work requirements?

If you do not meet the work requirements and do not qualify for an exemption, then you can only get SNAP for three months during a pre-established three-year period. Your County Assistance Office will inform you of the details.

Can I combine work with another activity in order to meet requirements?

Yes, a combination of work, work programs, education, or community service can meet the new requirements. Coordinate with your County Assistance Office to meet the hours that are expected of you.

Can I meet work requirements with contract or gig work?

Yes, contract and gig work meet work requirements. Make sure to report all hours to your County Assistance Office or COMPASS.

If my hours change each week, do I need to report all changes to the County Assistance Office?

If you are working 80 hours per month or making at least $870 per month for an individual, you do not need to report changes each week.

For community service hours, the County Assistance Office determines the number of hours you must participate. The volunteer verification form signed by the volunteer site is good for 6 months, as long as your participation hours stay consistent.

For more information, see the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' Income Limits. Contact your County Assistance Office to discuss combining activities to meet the requirements.

Does everyone in my family need to meet work requirements?

The household must meet the work requirements as a whole, not as individuals. The requirements apply to each adult in the household ages 18 through 64, who does not have a child under age 14. Adults can each work different hours as long as the total for the household adds up to the required hours. For more information about your household's requirements, contact your County Assistance Office or BenePhilly.

Community Service, Education, and Job Training

If I'm completing independent community service, do I need to be communicating with the County Assistance Office?

If you're doing community service hours, you should report them to the County Assistance Office. You can do this by having the community service site manager fill out a Volunteer Verification Form. If you have any questions, ask your County Assistance Office for help.

Will the County Assistance Office set up community service hours or work training for me?

The County Assistance Office can help you identify options or refer you to an approved training program for additional support to participate in the activity. Please note we recommend discussing this with your County Assistance Office in advance, since there can sometimes be a wait to meet with your County Assistance Office.

You can also visit the PA Department of Human Services website to identify approved training programs: SNAP Work Requirements Through Education and Training | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

How can I find community service opportunities near me?

You can find community service opportunities near you at PA Navigate. In order to find resources in your community, enter your zip code. To find community service opportunities, search for "benefit recipient volunteer" under personal filters.

Are adult learners exempt from work requirements? How many hours of school need to be completed weekly/monthly to qualify for an exemption?

If you are in a school or an approved training program for at least 20 hours per week, that fulfills the new requirements. Eligible programs include but are not limited to English as a Second Language (ESL) education, adult basic education, GED/high school diploma preparation, community college, university degrees, and vocational training. Report your participation in these programs to your County Assistance Office.

I am already participating in a job training program. How do I know if it's an approved program to meet work requirements?

You can ask your program if it is an approved location for meeting SNAP work requirements. If your program is not already approved, submit an easy form to the PA Department of Human Services for certification as an approved program. The form and more information are available at the bottom of this page: SNAP Work Requirements Through Education and Training | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania