Some families receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) must now meet new work requirements and report that they are meeting the requirements to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
It’s estimated that almost half of School District of Lancaster students are eligible for or receive SNAP benefits.
Under the new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits, certain people will have to meet SNAP work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report that they are meeting these work requirements.
Individuals with questions about how to report work, education, training, or volunteering activities can contact their caseworker at the DHS County Assistance Office or call the Customer Service Center at 877-395-8930.
Beginning November 1, these rules apply to recipients who:
- Are between 18-64 years old;
- Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old; and,
- Are considered physically and mentally able to work
Exemptions from work requirements for being a veteran, homeless, or a current or former foster youth age 18-24 will no longer apply, also beginning November 1. Other exemptions do still apply. You can view a full list at the link below.
Some of these requirements began to phase in on September 1. For more information on the requirements, including resources for finding a job or training program that qualifies, visit the SNAP Work Requirements page on the DHS website.