HARRISBURG, PA — Expanded federal work requirements for food assistance are reducing benefits and putting thousands of Pennsylvanians at risk of losing aid, according to testimony presented at a state House hearing.
What This Means for You
- New federal rules require more adults to work to receive SNAP benefits
- Some households are seeing reduced or lost food assistance
- State officials are reviewing how changes affect vulnerable residents
State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, who chairs the House Human Services Committee, convened the hearing to examine the impact of federal legislation known as H.R. 1 on Pennsylvania’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families pay for food, typically through monthly benefits issued on an electronic card.
Expanded Work Requirements
Under H.R. 1, more recipients must meet work requirements to qualify for or continue receiving benefits.
The changes apply to adults ages 18 to 64, expanding the previous upper age limit of 54, and include individuals without dependent children under 14 who are considered physically and mentally able to work.
Williams said the rules have been in effect since September 1 and that the hearing was intended to assess their impact after several months of implementation.
“With more than seven months of implementation behind us, I believe it is time for the committee to learn about how these changes have impacted Pennsylvanians,” Williams said.
Impact on Households
Testimony from program administrators and service organizations indicated that some households have experienced reduced benefits or stricter eligibility standards.
Williams said thousands of residents, particularly working-age adults and other vulnerable groups, face an increased risk of losing assistance under the new requirements.
“We as legislators must be aware of how these new requirements are affecting the most vulnerable in our communities,” Williams said.
Next Steps
Participants at the hearing included officials responsible for implementing SNAP changes and organizations that assist residents with food access and employment services.
Williams said lawmakers must ensure residents have the information and resources needed to navigate the updated requirements.
“We must provide the Pennsylvanians of this Commonwealth with the knowledge and resources to navigate these new challenges,” he said.
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