Approximately 162,000 Allegheny County residents—including more than 19,000 adults ages 60 and older—rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. As of September 1, new federal rules have gone into effect that are important to be aware of.
The rules, which are part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025” passed by Congress in July, end Pennsylvania’s statewide waiver for SNAP work requirements. This means most adults ages 18 to 64—classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents—must now work at least 20 hours per week or qualify for an exemption. Failure to comply could limit benefits to just three months over a three-year period.
Who’s Affected and Who’s Exempt?
The new requirements apply across Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, where SNAP is administered through state-run County Assistance Offices (CAOs). Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Must Take Action: Adults ages 18 to 64 who don’t qualify for an exemption will need to prove they’re working 20-plus hours per week by participating in job training, volunteering or have a valid exemption.
- Exempt (No Action Needed): Children under age 18, adults 64 and older, parents with a child under age 14 in their SNAP household, and those receiving SSI or SSDI.
Exemptions also cover medical conditions limiting work (verified by a doctor’s signature on a Medical Exemption Form), homelessness, veterans or participation in specific treatment programs. Then starting on November 1, the rules tighten further, pulling adults ages 55 to 64, parents with children ages 14 or older, and even some veterans into the work requirement pool. Certain non-citizens, except green card holders or those from Cuba and Haiti, will also lose eligibility.
Steps to Stay Compliant
To keep benefits, affected SNAP recipients must complete a few critical steps, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services:
1. Fill Out the Screening Form Checklist: Mailed by PA DHS or available online at the PA DHS SNAP Work Requirements page, this form declares your status as either working, exempt or in training.
2. Gather Proof:
- If Working: Submit recent paystubs showing 20-plus hours per week.
- If Medically Exempt: Have your doctor or therapist sign the Medical Exemption Form.
- If Otherwise Exempt: Indicate this on the form; no extra proof is needed unless requested.
If Not Working: Contact your SNAP caseworker for volunteer or training options.
3. Submit to a CAO: The easiest way is through the myCOMPASS PA app, which allows digital uploads. Visit compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/. Alternatively, mail or drop off the form at a local CAO (like the location at One Smithfield Street, downtown) with your case number. Update your address on COMPASS or call (412) 565-2400 to ensure that you receive any follow-up requests.
Support in Allegheny County
Allegheny County residents have access to robust resources to navigate these changes. Just Harvest offers free assistance, from eligibility screenings to form submissions; call them at (412) 431-8960, option 3. Their website, justharvest.org, provides downloadable guides and flyers. They also run programs like Fresh Access, doubling SNAP dollars at local farmer’s markets.
The county’s CAOs, reachable at (412) 565-2400 or via the statewide line (800) 692-7462), handle applications and verifications. For broader support, PA 211 (dial 211 or visit pa211.org) connects residents to food pantries and emergency aid.