The passage of the Reconciliation Bill (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) on July 4, 2025, introduced numerous changes that impact our client population, including who is eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The new reconciliation act also shifts the majority of the administrative costs, along with potentially some of the cost of providing benefits, to the states. It is estimated that 144,000 Pennsylvanians will lose access to SNAP benefits, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. This change will likely result in higher taxes or spending cuts to make up for the increased cost that Pennsylvania faces in the coming year, according to a Spotlight article linked here.
Some of the requirements to qualify for the SNAP will change as soon as September 1, 2025, across the Commonwealth. If you are now receiving SNAP benefits, you should review these changes to see what you need to do to remain eligible for benefits.
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, an individual must work 20+ hours a week, though there are a number of situations which qualify for an exemption from the work requirement. Some of these exemptions were altered by the new law, so if you receive SNAP benefits and work less than 20 hours per week, it is important you review which exemptions are available now. You also may need to provide documentation, such as a medical exemption form signed by a provider.
Previously, individuals under 18 and over 55 years old were eligible for SNAP, regardless of how many hours per week they worked. Now, only those under 18 and over 65 years old are eligible regardless of their working hours.
Similarly, parents or guardians of any dependent child were eligible for SNAP, no matter their working hours. However, the new law dictates that the dependent child must be under 14 years old for the parent or guardian to receive SNAP benefits if they work less than 20 hours per week.
The rest of the exemptions remain relatively similar, including receiving disability benefits such as SSI and SSD: in school or a job training program at least half time, caring for a sick family member, getting unemployment benefits, or returning to work within 2 months. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will be sending questionnaires to those receiving SNAP that asks questions about work and the situations that might be available instead of the work requirement. These should be returned to the County Assistance Office (CAO) as soon as possible. For a very helpful flyer, visit this link from Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.
If you do not work or qualify for an exemption, you can still receive these benefits, but only for three months during any three-year period. So, if the CAO does not have proof you meet the work requirement or an available exemption, you could lose your benefits as soon as December 1, 2025.
Despite the changes, individuals who work 80 or more hours during a 30-day period can regain eligibility. If you are worried that you might lose your SNAP benefits, make sure to review the exemption list in the link above to see if you qualify. If you believe that you qualify for an exemption, fill out one of the forms under “Reference materials” on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' website.
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