Federal Changes to SNAP

DISCLAIMER: This webpage is for informational purposes only. All determinations related to SNAP benefits and work requirements are made by the Montgomery County Assistance Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Manna on Main Street staff cannot provide direct assistance with anyone’s case or benefits. Manna is providing the following information to help Manna clients understand changes to SNAP.

For the most updated information, visit the PA DHS website here and here.

Summary of SNAP Changes

In July, Congress passed a law that made changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly called “food stamps.”

For some SNAP recipients, these changes will be starting on September 1.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, your SNAP benefits will not change without notice from DHS, and you will have the opportunity to update your case information if needed.

What is changing? Starting September 1, 2025, many adults will need to work 20 hours a week to keep their SNAP. These work requirements do not apply to people who meet an exemption. If you are not exempt or working 20 hours a week, you can only get 3 months of SNAP in 3 years.

Do the SNAP work requirements apply to me? You DO NOT have to meet SNAP work requirements if:

You have a physical or mental health condition that reduces your ability to work;
You are earning at least $217.50 a week before taxes;
You have children under the age of 14;
You are over age 65 or under age 18;
You are getting a disability benefit like SSI or SSD;
You are enrolled in school or training at least half time;
You meet another exemption, like you are pregnant or receiving Unemployment Compensation;
You are experiencing homelessness; or
You are unable to work because of domestic violence.

What if my health issue reduces my ability to work? A medical provider or school official will need to complete a SNAP Medical Exemption Form for you. Download this flyer for more details.

What if I am an immigrant? Many immigrants could lose SNAP as soon as November 1, 2025. Download this flyer for more details.

What if I recently moved? PA DHS is encouraging everyone to make sure your address is correct in COMPASS and with the U.S. Postal Service. PA DHS sends notices about SNAP in COMPASS and by mail. Pay attention to any notices you receive from PA DHS.

How do I contact the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services? Call the PA Department of Human Services Helpline at 1-800-692-7462 or the Montgomery County Assistance Office at 1-877-398-5571. You can also use COMPASS.

Can I get help with my SNAP application or renewal? Yes!

You can contact Matt Williams from CADCOM for assistance with a SNAP application or renewal. Matt also comes to the North Penn Commons lobby (where Manna is located) once every month. Download this flyer for more details. Matt’s phone number is 610-277-6363 ext. 140.
You can contact VNA Community Services for assistance with a SNAP application or renewal. You can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-591-8234.

Can Manna help? If you determine you have SNAP work requirements, there are two ways you can potentially comply with your work requirements at Manna. For both of the following options, you must verify your participation with the County Assistance Office to ensure you are complying with your work requirements.

Manna’s Common Grounds Training Program: This is Manna’s free, 9-week foodservice job training program. If you are interested in applying to this program, contact Sue Jurina at sjurina@mannaonmain.org or 215-353-3727 (call or text). Download this flyer for more details.
Volunteering at Manna: You can sign up to volunteer at Manna by following the steps listed on this page. Verification of volunteer hours is required; Manna can verify hours upon request. If you have questions, contact Meg Currie Teoh at meg@mannaonmain.org.

What if I believe I have been wrongfully denied SNAP benefits? You can call Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania at 1-877-429-5994. Additionally, a representative from Legal Aid comes to the North Penn Commons lobby (where Manna is located) once every month. Download this flyer for more details.