PHILADELPHIA, PA — In case you missed it, Pennsylvanians who rely on food assistance will have more ways to meet new federal work requirements under a state initiative designed to expand access to job training and education programs.
What This Means for You
- SNAP recipients must meet new work or training requirements to keep benefits
- More education and job training programs will be available statewide
- A faster certification process will connect people to approved programs
The Shapiro Administration announced a streamlined certification process that allows more education and training providers to become approved sites under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training program.
SNAP, commonly known as food assistance, provides monthly benefits to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries. Under recent federal law changes signed in July 2025, certain recipients must participate in work, education, training, or volunteer activities to remain eligible.
Expanding Access to Training Programs
State officials said the new certification process will allow schools, nonprofits, and workforce programs that already offer training services to quickly become approved providers.
Previously, providers faced a longer and more complex approval process, limiting the number of available sites.
By expanding the network, the state aims to connect recipients with more opportunities to meet federal requirements while building job skills.
“Nearly two million Pennsylvanians receive life-sustaining food benefits from SNAP every month,” said DHS Deputy Secretary Hoa Pham. “It is this extra bit of help putting food on their tables that enables people to go to school, work, and live healthy lives.”
Programs Already in Place
The Department of Human Services administers several training initiatives, including the SNAP KEYS program, which supports community college students receiving SNAP.
The program provides services such as tutoring, career counseling, and assistance navigating financial resources while students pursue education and job training.
Officials said participants in approved programs like SNAP KEYS automatically meet the new federal work requirements.
Workforce Support and Career Pathways
The Department of Labor and Industry is also expanding access to workforce resources through PA CareerLink® centers, which offer free services such as job search assistance, resume workshops, and training programs.
Registered apprenticeships — programs that allow individuals to earn wages while learning a trade — are also part of the state’s strategy to help recipients meet requirements and secure long-term employment.
“Changes to federal law can feel overwhelming, but our message to Pennsylvanians is simple: the Shapiro Administration is here to help,” said Deputy Secretary Patricia Blumenauer.
Next Steps
SNAP recipients with questions about the new requirements can contact their local County Assistance Office or call the state’s customer service center at 877-395-8930, or 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia residents.
More information, including program eligibility and certification details, is available at dhs.pa.gov/work.
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