News

January 13, 2026

DHS Online Screening Tool Helps SNAP Recipients Navigate New Rules

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched a new online screening tool to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and applicants navigate new requirements to access benefits.

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New federal rules may require some SNAP recipients and applicants to meet and report work requirements – such as working, volunteering, or participating in education or training for at least 20 hours per week.

To help determine if these requirements apply, the DHS has created a quick online screening tool. By answering a few “yes” or “no” questions, users can see whether they need to meet the requirements, may qualify for an exemption, or should report current activities to their caseworker.

The tool is informational and not a final eligibility decision, but it can help SNAP recipients understand next steps and prepare for conversations with their caseworker.

For any questions about reporting work or activities, SNAP recipients should contact their County Assistance Office or call 877-395-8930.

News

September 4, 2025

SNAP Recipients Must Take Action to Ensure They Don’t Lose Benefits in December

Recipients that fail to take action to secure their SNAP benefits could lose them in December following federal changes to the benefits that have recently taken effect.

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As of Sept. 1, most adults on SNAP are required to work at least 20 hours per week or qualify for an exemption. People who do not properly document that they meet these conditions can only receive three months of benefits over a three-year period, meaning they would run out in December.

SNAP recipients must take the following actions:

  • Complete the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) screening form checklist that was mailed to recipients by the DHS. The checklist can also be found online.
  • If health limits their work, have a doctor or therapist sign a medical exemption form.
  • Return the screening form and proof to the County Assistance Office, which is operated at the state level by the DHS.

Details about who needs to take action and when can be found on the DHS’ website.

For Providers

To ensure that people in your network are aware of these updates, share this flyer from the Housing Stabilization Center that summarizes key action items and includes quick reference phone numbers.