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Dear CEO Community,
SNAP work requirements are now in effect, and we are sharing important opportunities for our community partners to support SNAP recipients in maintaining their benefits. As a reminder, you can find resources and information about SNAP rule changes at the City’s SNAP Page. This website is in multiple languages that you can select at the top of the page. It also has information for immigrant communities with different residency statuses:
SNAP benefits have changed: here’s what you need to know.
There are many ways you can help SNAP participants keep their benefits:
Share information and where to get help.
Understand SNAP changes and share information with people in your networks. Check the PA DHS website and the City’s SNAP page for updates. Participants with questions can also contact:
- PA DHS Customer Service Center: (215) 560-7226
- BenePhilly Clarifi Help Line: (800) 994-5537
Help with exemptions.
Many SNAP recipients likely qualify for “exemptions.” Share and use the PA DHS’s screener tool to help people understand if they qualify for any exemption from the work requirement. Have copies of the exemption survey/checklist (CM 558) (PDF) and Medical Exemption Form (PA 1921) (PDF) available. Assist people with completing these forms and providing them to their County Assistance Office.
Provide Volunteer Opportunities for SNAP Recipients.
SNAP recipients can participate in community service or volunteer work as one way to meet work requirements if they do not qualify for an exemption. Volunteer opportunities help people stay connected, build skills, and maintain their benefits. This is especially important for people who may not be able to participate in a job or training program for the hours required. Some recipients may also need an activity to supplement their hours to meet the work requirements.
Although the work requirement is typically 20 hours per week, the number of volunteer hours is calculated by the County Assistance Office and may be significantly less than the number of hours required for other types of work activities. Here are information and basic steps for the volunteer activity:
- If you are a nonprofit organization that has volunteer opportunities, you can email panavigate@thecaap.org and post the opportunity on PA Navigate. A Community Engagement Manager will assist with adding opportunities to the platform and ensure your program is listed accurately so individuals can easily find your volunteer offerings. Information and FAQs are available to learn more.
- SNAP recipients can go to PA Navigate, enter their zip code, and search for “volunteer” where they will see a list of local programs offering volunteer opportunities. They can then contact the organization where they want to volunteer to learn more and get connected.
- SNAP recipients will need to discuss their activity and report participation to their County Assistance Office.
Connect recipients to food resources.
Many people may lose SNAP benefits as early as January 2026 – even if they are eligible – because of new processes and possible errors. Please share Philadelphia’s Food and meal finder with people seeking food resources. Participants should call the local site directly to confirm hours and services.
CEO continues to work with offices across the Parker Administration to help SNAP recipients navigate changes. We are grateful to all of our community partners who are finding ways to support access to vital resources for so many Philadelphians at this critical time. Thank you for your partnership. |
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