PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Shapiro administration announced Friday a new initiative designed to streamline certification for education and job training programs that help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients meet federal work requirements and remain eligible for food assistance.
What This Means For You
- More education and job training programs may qualify to help SNAP recipients meet federal work requirements.
- Faster certification could expand the number of training providers across Pennsylvania.
- The initiative aims to help eligible residents maintain SNAP benefits while preparing for employment.
State officials said the new process will allow education and training providers that are not currently part of the state’s SNAP Employment and Training program to apply for streamlined certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
The change is intended to expand access to programs that help SNAP recipients meet federal reporting and participation requirements tied to receiving benefits.
Federal law now requires certain SNAP applicants and recipients to participate in work, education, training, or volunteer programs to continue receiving benefits.
How the Certification Program Works
Under the new initiative, training sites that already provide employment or education services will be able to apply more easily for certification as SNAP Employment and Training providers.
Once certified, those programs can help SNAP recipients meet federal requirements while also connecting them to job training, education, and employment opportunities.
Officials said the streamlined certification process is intended to ensure more Pennsylvanians have access to programs that support both food security and workforce development.
“Nearly two million Pennsylvanians receive life-sustaining food benefits from SNAP every month,” said Department of Human Services Office of Income Maintenance 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 with the dignity we all deserve.”
Training Programs and Workforce Support
The Department of Human Services administers several employment and training programs connected to SNAP benefits, including SNAP KEYS, short for Keystone Education Yields Success.
The program provides support services to students who receive SNAP while attending community colleges, helping them complete their education and pursue employment.
At the Community College of Philadelphia, about 4,000 students or their parents currently receive SNAP benefits.
Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Patricia Blumenauer said the initiative reflects coordination between the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Industry.
“Through close coordination between DHS and L&I, we are ensuring that SNAP recipients have reliable access to employment and training opportunities,” Blumenauer said.
State officials said participants may also be connected with services through the PA CareerLink network, which provides job search assistance, career counseling, and training opportunities.
Next Steps
Education and training providers interested in certification can apply through the Department of Human Services website at dhs.pa.gov/work.
Officials said SNAP recipients who have questions about work requirements or training programs can contact their local County Assistance Office or call the state’s customer service center for assistance.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.