Pennsylvania SNAP rules are changing in September 2025. Learn how new work requirements and exemptions affect you, find latest benefit amounts, and get people-first guidance.
Big Changes Coming: SNAP Rules in Pennsylvania Are Changing
Starting September 1, 2025, Pennsylvania’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) will see major rule changes. These updates affect who gets food assistance and what you must do to keep your benefits. If you’re using— or thinking of applying for — food stamps, here’s exactly what you need to know, in clear, people-focused language.
What’s Happening With SNAP in PA?
SNAP (commonly called food stamps) helps thousands of families in Pennsylvania put food on the table. But, from September 2025, the rules for keeping those benefits will become stricter for many adults.
Who Will Be Affected?
“Able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs) are the main group with new requirements.
That means adults age 18 to 54, who are not living with a child under 18, and are not meeting a list of exemptions.
Key Dates
June 1, 2025: Some changes start for limited areas.
September 1, 2025: Major statewide work requirements begin.
Major SNAP Rule Changes: What Should You Expect?
20-Hour Work Requirement
If you are an ABAWD, you’ll need to prove you work at least 20 hours every week (that’s about 80 hours/month) to keep getting SNAP. If you can’t show this, you’ll only get SNAP benefits for three months out of every three years.
Who Is EXEMPT?
You are not required to meet the new work rules if:
You have a physical or mental health condition that makes working difficult.
You are under 18 or over 54.
You have children under age 18 in your SNAP household.
You are pregnant.
You are disabled or enrolled in SSI/SSD.
You are in an approved education or training program at least half-time.
You are homeless, a veteran, or a former foster youth (some additional protections here).
You are already working enough — earning about $217.50/week (before taxes).
You are receiving unemployment compensation.
Need an Exemption?
Requesting an exemption can be as simple as getting a doctor or therapist to fill out a form. Do it as soon as possible if you think you qualify; waiting could put your food benefits at risk.
Areas With Time Limits
Only certain locations in Pennsylvania will apply the three-month time limit from June 2025. These include:
Adams, Centre, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, York Counties (with some city exceptions)
Cranberry Township, Hampden Township (specific municipalities)
If you live in Lancaster City, Lebanon City, Norristown, York City, York Township, or Springettsbury Township, you are waived from this limit.
How Much SNAP Can I Receive?
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit Amounts (Starting Oct 1, 2024)
| Family Size | Maximum Benefit Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 292 |
| 2 | 536 |
| 3 | 768 |
| 4 | 975 |
| 5 | 1,158 |
| 6 | 1,390 |
| 7 | 1,536 |
| 8 | 1,756 |
| Each extra | +220 |
Benefit Calculation Changes
Utility Allowance Update: About 600,000 low-income households may see a benefit decrease due to new ways utility costs are calculated. Many will have to submit actual bills, not standard values.
Future Increases Limited: A new law restricts how much SNAP benefits can go up, even if food prices rise.
How to Keep Your SNAP Benefits
Prove Working Hours: If the new rules apply to you, keep track of your hours—paystubs, timecards, volunteer logs, or program attendance records can work.
Report Income and Household Changes: Notify the county assistance office if you change jobs, change hours, or have a baby.
Renew and Recertify: Everyone needs to recertify on time. Most households recertify every year; if everyone is elderly or disabled, every three years.
What About Immigrants?
SNAP eligibility is now more limited. You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Other groups, including refugees or asylum seekers without a green card, may lose eligibility.
Important: You Can Appeal
If your benefits are cut, you can request a fair hearing. If you appeal before the cutoff, you can keep receiving benefits until a decision is made.
2-Column Table of Key Scheme Info
| Change / Rule | Details (Effective 2025) |
|---|---|
| 20-hour/week work requirement | Applies to able-bodied adults 18-54, no dependent children |
| Time limit | 3 months SNAP in 3 years, unless exempt or working 20+ hours/week |
| Key exemptions | Health conditions, children under 18, age 55+, SSI/SSD, pregnancy, etc. |
| Areas affected by time limits | Most of PA; some counties/cities are temporarily waived |
| Max benefit (1 person) | $292/month (as of Oct 2024) |
| Max benefit (2 people) | $536/month |
| Utility allowance formula | Households must submit actual utility bills; many will see lower benefit |
| Immigrant eligibility | Only U.S. citizens/permanent residents; others lose eligibility |
FAQs
1. Who must meet the new SNAP work requirement in Pennsylvania?
If you’re aged 18–54, don’t live with a child under 18, and do not qualify for an exemption, you must work at least 20 hours/week or face a three-month time limit on SNAP benefits.
2. Can I get an exemption if I have a health problem?
Yes! A doctor or qualified therapist can fill out a simple medical exemption form. It’s wise to get this filled out well before the new rules start.
3. Do these rules apply if I care for a child under 18?
No. If there’s a child under 18 in your SNAP household, these new work rules do not apply to you.
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