Pennsylvania SNAP Changes: From September 2025, people in Pennsylvania who get SNAP food benefits will face new rules. The government now says adults between 18 and 54 must work at least 20 hours a week or take part in approved job training.
If they don’t follow this, they could lose their food help even if their income makes them eligible. Officials say the change is part of a wider federal reform. Reports suggest over 140,000 people might lose their benefits if they cannot meet the conditions.
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Concerns about the impact
Food banks and community groups already worry about what this will mean. Jennifer Miller, who runs the Westmoreland Food Bank, said, “We are not equipped to absorb the demand that would result from these cuts.” Many believe people who already struggle could face hunger if they cannot keep up with the work rules. The state wants to push for more self-reliance, but critics fear families who need food support most may suffer.
DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh slammed the new requirements in a statement.
“Programs like SNAP exist to help people meet the basic need of putting food on their tables so that they can live and thrive,” she said. “These new requirements put in place by Republicans in Washington, D.C., jeopardize this critical resource by creating burdensome red tape for people needing food” reported CBS news.
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Who is exempt?
Exempt from the new requirements:
- People with disabilities.
- Adults over 55 years of age.
- Parents or caregivers of minors.
- Students enrolled in approved employment and training programs.
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These exceptions seek to protect the most vulnerable groups from losing access to basic foodstuffs.
Steps to protect yourself from fraud
The state is also adding stronger security for SNAP users. With the Connect EBT app, people can lock their cards every 30, 60, or 90 minutes to stop anyone from misusing them. Beneficiaries are also told to change their PIN often and check card machines before swiping. These steps are meant to make sure the benefits go only to the people who need them.
